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Why is our breathing controlled automatically? Learn how the brain controls every breath!
Breathing is a necessary physiological process for everyone, but have you ever thought about the complex regulatory mechanisms behind this seemingly simple action? Breathing is not only the process of air entering and expelling from the lungs, but also an important life activity that supplies the body with oxygen and balances carbon dioxide. Next, we’ll dive into these physiological mechanisms and the brain’s role in them.
The most important function of breathing is to supply oxygen to the body and maintain the balance of carbon dioxide.
Mechanism of respiratory control
In most cases, the rate of breathing is controlled by the concentration of carbon dioxide in the body. When the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2) rises, the body automatically increases the breathing rate to expel the excess carbon dioxide. This process is mainly completed by peripheral chemical receptors located in the arteries and central chemical receptors in the brain.
Peripheral chemoreceptors and central chemoreceptors
Peripheral chemoreceptors are located primarily in the aorta and carotid arteries. These receptors detect oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations. Central chemical receptors are mainly sensitive to changes in blood pH, and most of them are located in the brain oblongata, close to the respiratory control center.
According to changes in carbon dioxide, peripheral and central chemical receptors transmit information to the respiratory center.
Ciological rhythm of breathing
The rhythm of breathing is composed of various nerves located in the oblongata and pons. There are four main respiratory groupings of these neural groups, which include the dorsal respiratory group, the ventral respiratory group, the pontine respiratory group, and the dumb center. These tissues work together to regulate the rhythm and depth of breathing, allowing us to breathe stably even when we are unconscious.
Automatic and conscious control
Wheezing is a process that is usually unconscious, but in some cases we can control it ourselves. For example, breathing patterns driven by emotions such as playing, laughing, yawning, etc. are all the results of our active intervention.
Breathing patterns can also be temporarily altered by complex reflex movements, such as sneezing or coughing.
Factors affecting respiratory rate
The rate of breathing usually varies depending on the concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood. This is closely related to our metabolic rate. As exercise intensity increases, carbon dioxide levels will naturally rise, stimulating changes in respiratory rate.
Respiratory reflex and external influences
Many external factors such as emotions, medications, and physiological state can also affect breathing. For example, pregnant women often have a higher breathing rate to facilitate gas exchange in the placenta.
Drugs such as anesthetics and stimulants can have a significant impact on breathing rate.
Feedback control system
In the regulation of breathing, the feedback system plays a vital role, including central and peripheral chemical receptors and mechanical receptors. These receptors are able to monitor respiratory status in real time and react to any changes.
For example, one of the mechanisms that regulates inhalation is the Hering-Breuer reflex, a protective mechanism designed to prevent overinflation of the lungs. When we take in too much air, these reflexes are triggered, causing the breathing process to cease.
Strange reflexes in the head are another phenomenon that occurs when the lungs suddenly expand, causing a temporary respiratory effort or gasping, which is crucial for the body's protection.
Conclusion
To sum up, the control of breathing is the result of the joint action of multiple physiological mechanisms, involving the close cooperation of the brain, nerves and internal chemical signals. All this not only allows us to breathe automatically, but also allows us to change the way we breathe when needed. Experiencing the wonder of breathing makes us wonder, why can such a regulatory mechanism be so subtle and effective?
