Homeostatic control of breathing

While doing strenuous activities (such as exercising)

During strenuous activities, CO2 levels in the body increases receptor cells in the carotid artery in the neck become stimulated and send impulses to the Medulla Oblangata.The Medulla Oblangata sends impulses to the breathing muscles to contract more actively to increase the depth and rate of breathing. An impulse is also sent to the heart to breathe faster that more CO2 gets taken to the lungs for gaseous exchange and exhaled and CO2 levels return to normal.

Hypoxia

An increase in altitude, which results in which leads to a lower intake of oxygen

The human body first needs to learn to acclimate beforehand, before doing activities in high altitudes, such as mountain climbing.

Can cause nausea, headaches and dizziness

The body’s reaction

• The carotid body in the carotid artery detects low oxygen and alerts the brain

• The brain will signal the rest of the body to :

  • constrict vessels in lungs and increase rate of breathing

  • increase heart rate

  • dilate peripheral blood vessels in all limbs, hands and feet