Respiration 2 - Physiology Flashcards
What regulates ventilation in the brain ?
The medulla oblongata and pons are the main respiratory centers in the brain
What are the two types of breathing control ?
- Subconscious control
- Conscious control
What muscles are involved in breathing ?
Diaphram
Intercostal muscles
What signals the brain to regulate breathing ?
-Partial pressure of CO2
- Partial pressure of 02
- Hydrogen ions
What is tidal volume ?
- The amount of air inhaled/exhaled normally
What is inspiratory reserve volume ?
The extra air you can inhale beyond a normal breath
What is minute volume ?
The total volume of air breathed per miute
What happens when you hold your breath ?
C02 builds up, triggering the brain to force you breathe
What happens in the alveoli ?
Gas exchange between air and blood
Why is C02 removal important ?
Prevents acidosis
How does the body adjust breathing ?
Increases/decreases breathing rate based on c02,02 and pH levels
What happens during exercise ?
Increased 02 demand and C0 production – faster breathing
How does altitude affect breathing ?
Less 02 available – body compensates by increasing ventilation
What is the effect of airway constriction ?
Increased airway resistance reduces airflow, making breathing harder
What is the reaction between C02 and water ?
C02 reacts with water to form carbonic acid, which can dissociate into hydrogen ions and bicarbonate
How does C02 influence Ph ?
More C02 increases H+ concentration, lowering pH and making the blood more acidic
Where in the brain is breathing controlled ?
The brainstem, specifically the pons and medulla, regulate breathing
What is the role of the medulla in breathing ?
The medulla contains inspiratory neurons that rhythmically fire to regulate breathing rate and depth
What is the role of the pons in breathing ?
The pons helps switch between inspiration and expiration
What is the central pattern generator for breathing ?
A network of neurons in the brainstem that controls the rhythmic nature of breathing
What nerve is critical for diaphragm movement ?
The phrenic nerve, which signals the diaphragm to contract for breathing
The phrenic nerve is critical for diaphragm movement.
What is the mnomnic for remembering the phrenic nerves importance ?
Cut C4, breathe no more
What are the key respiratory centres in the brainstem ?
Ventral respiratory group – ventral respiratory group
Dorsal respiratory group – Dorsal respiratory group
Pre-Botzinger complex - Pre – Botzinger complex
What are the 2 sets of chemoreceptors that regulate breathing ?
Central chemoreceptors and peripheral chemoreceptors
What do central chemoreceptros detect ?
C02 and h+
What do peripheral chemoreceptors detect ?
Mainly 02 levels and also h+concentration
Where are peripheral chemoreceptors located ?
In the carotid bodies and the aortic bodies
What happens when 02 levels drop significantly ?
Peripheral chemoreceptors send strong signals to increase breathing rate and depth
What is the primary driver of ventilation under normal conditions ?
C02 levels, not oxygen levels, primary regulate breathing.
How was blood pressure tranditionally measured ?
