Regulation of Respiration

The rhythmic discharges from the brain that produce spontaneous respiration are regulated by alternations in arterial PO2, PCO2, and H+ concentration, and this chemical control of breathing is supplemented by a number of nonchemical influences.

Spontaneous respiration is dependent on nerve impulses from the brain, and breathing stops if the spinal cord is transected above the origin of the phrenic nerves.

The voluntary system for control of respiration is located in the cerebral cortex and sends impulses to the respiratory motor neurons via the corticospinal tracts.

<p>The automatic system for regulating respiration is driven by a group of pacemaker cells in the medulla.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Impulses from the pacemaker cells in the medulla activate motor neurons in the cervical and thoracic spinal cord that innervate inspiratory muscles, including the diaphragm via the phrenic nerves and the external intercostal muscles.</p> Signup and view all the answers