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Questions and Answers
What is the average number of breaths per minute for a healthy adult?
What is the average number of breaths per minute for a healthy adult?
- 20 - 25
- 12 - 20 (correct)
- 8 - 12
- 25 - 30
The medulla oblongata is responsible for voluntary control of breathing.
The medulla oblongata is responsible for voluntary control of breathing.
False (B)
What is the primary mechanism that determines breathing rate?
What is the primary mechanism that determines breathing rate?
Level of CO2 in the blood
Breathing rate increases due to a high level of __________ in poorly ventilated rooms.
Breathing rate increases due to a high level of __________ in poorly ventilated rooms.
Match the following factors with their effect on breathing rate:
Match the following factors with their effect on breathing rate:
Which of the following factors is a secondary mechanism for determining breathing rate?
Which of the following factors is a secondary mechanism for determining breathing rate?
The breathing rate can be decreased by high altitude.
The breathing rate can be decreased by high altitude.
What role do stretch receptors in intercostal muscles play in breathing?
What role do stretch receptors in intercostal muscles play in breathing?
Flashcards
Breathing Rate
Breathing Rate
The rate at which you inhale and exhale, measured as the number of breaths per minute.
Control Center
Control Center
The medulla oblongata, located in the brainstem, controls your breathing rate.
Voluntary Breathing
Voluntary Breathing
Our brains can voluntarily override the automatic breathing controlled by the medulla oblongata.
Inhaling Process
Inhaling Process
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Exhaling Process
Exhaling Process
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CO2 as a Signal
CO2 as a Signal
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O2 as a Signal
O2 as a Signal
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Breathing Rate Factors
Breathing Rate Factors
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Study Notes
Control of Breathing
- Breathing is involuntary, controlled by the medulla oblongata in the brainstem.
- Breathing rate (how quickly/slowly you inhale/exhale) averages 12-20 breaths per minute for a healthy adult.
- Breathing rate must adjust to respond to changing oxygen demands.
Role of the Brain
- The brain stem sends nerve impulses via the spinal column to the muscles of the diaphragm and rib cage.
- This causes the diaphragm and external intercostal muscles to contract during inhalation.
- Stretch receptors in the intercostal muscles send signals back to the brain, indicating inhalation has occurred.
- The brain stops signaling inhalation, signalling relaxation and causing exhalation.
Factors Affecting Breathing Rate
- Strenuous activity: Increases breathing rate due to the body's need for more oxygen.
- Poor ventilation: Leads to increased carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, increasing breathing rate.
- Sickness (like colds and emphysema): Reduced respiratory efficiency leads to an increase in breathing rate.
- High altitude: Lower oxygen levels and reduced air pressure cause an increase in breathing rate.
What Determines Breathing Rate
- Level of CO2 in the blood:
- Primary mechanism
- Chemical receptors in the brain, carotid artery, and aorta are sensitive to CO2 and pH.
- A decrease in pH (caused by increased CO2) triggers an increase in breathing rate and volume.
- Level of O2 in the blood:
- Secondary mechanism
- Receptors in arteries monitor blood O2 levels as they leave the heart.
- Will only trigger an increase in breathing rate when oxygen levels fall significantly below normal. CO2 levels are important first.
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Description
Explore the mechanisms behind the control of breathing, including the roles of the brain and factors that influence the breathing rate. Understand how the medulla oblongata regulates involuntary breathing and how various conditions can affect respiratory functions.
