Control of Breathing Flashcards
at rest what is PO2?
13.3 kPa, PCO2 = 5.3 kPa
what is the at rest exchange?
250ml O2/min & ~200ml CO2
what is the walking 3mph exchange?
800ml O2/min & ~750ml/min CO2
what is the severe exercise exchange?
5000ml O2/min & 6000ml CO2/min.
what is breathing monitored by?
vocalisation - signing
emotional events - crying
reflexes - coughing
volitional control - breath holding
physiological challenges - sleep and exercise
how does the brain receive signals about breathing?
chemoreceptors and mechanoreceptors
what information do chemoreceptors send back to the brain?
provide feedback on blood PO2, PCO2 and pH
how do mechanoreceptors send signals to the brain?
provide feedback on mechanical status of lungs, chest wall and airways
where does the brain send signals to about breathing?
-respiratory muscles
-upper airway muscles
-reflexes
what does the brain tell the respiratory muscles to do?
produce rhythmic breathing movements eg, diaphragm and intercostals
which upper airway muscles does the brain send neural signals to about breathing?
laryngeal pharyngeal and tongue
what reflexes can the brain send neural signals to about breathing?
keeps airways patent
e.g. cough, sneeze, gag
what makes up the brain stem?
Many important neuronal cell groups (nuclei) in brainstem with roles in regulation.
what are chemoreceptors?
Chemoreceptors are sensory receptors that detect chemical changes in the surrounding environment.
what do chemoreceptors in the respiratory system do?
detect changes in the PO2, PCO2 and pH in blood
what is hypoxia?
decrease in O2
what is hypercapnia?
increase in CO2