Question

How are respiratory movements regulated in man?

Answer 1

There is a region in the medulla oblongata in the brain. This region is called the respiratory rhythm centre. This region is responsible for the regulation of respiration. There is a pneumotaxic centre that can alter the process of respiration. The signal is sent to the rhythm centre to increase or decrease the inspiration rate. The chemosensitive region present near the respiratory centre is sensitive to carbon dioxide and hydrogen ions. This region then signals to change the rate of expiration for eliminating the compounds. There are receptors present in the carotid artery and aorta. These receptors are sensitive and can detect the levels of carbon dioxide and hydrogen ions in the blood. As the level of carbon dioxide increases, the respiratory centre sends nerve impulses for the necessary changes.