Control of Respiration

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the neurological centers, chemical influences, and physiological states involved in the control of respiration.

DRG (Dorsal Respiratory Group)

Located in the medulla, it sends impulses to inspiratory muscles (diaphragm and external intercostal muscles) and is key in normal inspiration.

VRG (Ventral Respiratory Group)

A respiratory center that plays a role in both inspiration and expiration, acting on internal intercostal muscles and abdominal muscles.

Apneustic center

A center located in the pons that prolongs inspiration.

Pneumotaxic center

A center located in the pons that inhibits the apneustic center.

Central chemoreceptors

Receptors that detect the level of carbon dioxide and $H^+$ ions in $CSF$; an increase in these will increase the rate of breathing.

Carbon monoxide ($CO$) poisoning

A condition where $CO$ attaches irreversibly to the iron of hemoglobin, preventing oxygen from binding.

Baroreceptors

Sensors that respond to low blood pressure by increasing the respiratory rate.

Mechanoreceptors

Sensors located in the lungs that detect stretch or deflation.

Hypothalamus

A part of the limbic system that allows emotions to affect the breathing center.

Cerebral cortex

The part of the brain that provides voluntary control over the inspiratory muscles (skeletal muscles).

Hypercapnia

A condition characterized by too much carbon dioxide in the blood, often resulting from hypoventilation.

Normal $pCO_2$

The standard partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the blood, ranging from $35-45\,mmHg$.

Hypoventilation

Breathing too slowly or too shallowly, which leads to hypercapnia and respiratory acidosis.

Hypocapnia

A condition of low carbon dioxide levels resulting from hyperventilation (overbreathing) and prolonged exhalation.

Respiratory alkalosis

An increase in blood pH (high pH) caused by hyperventilation and the subsequent loss of carbon dioxide and $H^+$.

Respiratory acidosis

A decrease in blood pH (low pH) caused by hypoventilation, which increases carbon dioxide and $H^+$ levels in the blood.