Mechanics of Breathing Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering the mechanics of breathing at rest and during exercise, neural and chemical control mechanisms, and the venous return mechanisms.

Respiratory control centre (RCC)

The area located in the medulla oblongata of the brain that controls breathing.

Inspiratory control centre (ICC)

A part of the respiratory control centre (RCC) that controls the depth of inspiration.

Inspiration at rest

The active breathing phase where the diaphragm and external intercostal muscles contract, increasing chest cavity volume and decreasing pressure.

Expiration at rest

A passive process where the diaphragm and external intercostal muscles relax, decreasing thoracic cavity volume and forcing air out as pressure inside the lungs increases.

Sternocleidomastoid

An additional muscle recruited during exercise inspiration that functions to raise the sternum.

Scalene

An additional muscle recruited during exercise inspiration that lifts the ribs.

Pectoralis minor

An additional muscle recruited during exercise inspiration that lifts the ribs further to allow for a greater expansion of the lungs.

Muscles involved in exercise expiration

The internal intercostal muscles, abdominals, and obliques, which contract during exercise to force air out.

Skeletal pump

A venous return mechanism where increased muscle contractions compress veins to push blood towards the heart.

Respiratory pump

A venous return mechanism where greater breathing movements alter pressure in the thorax, compressing veins to assist blood flow back to the heart.

One-way valves

Structures inside veins that prevent the backflow of blood during venous return.