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Physiological Control of Respiration

Physiological Control of Respiration

Introduction
Breathing, a seemingly passive process, is regulated by the respiratory center in the brainstem. This center coordinates the involuntary control of respirations, which means it occurs without conscious effort, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted pattern.
Regulation of Ventilation
The body maintains ventilation by monitoring levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), and hydrogen ion concentration (pH) in the arterial blood. Among these factors, the level of CO2 plays a crucial...

Alterations in Respiration II

Alterations in Respiration II

There are numerous types of normal and abnormal respiration. Based on ventilatory movements, breathing patterns are classified as regular, deep, or shallow. Examples include Biot's breathing, Cheyne-Stokes respiration, Kussmaul's breathing, hyperventilation, and hypoventilation. Each pattern is clinically significant and aids in evaluating patients.
In Biot's breathing, the respiratory rate and depth are irregular, alternating between periods of deep gasping and apnea. Common causes include...

Oxygen Transport in the Blood

Oxygen Transport in the Blood

Hemoglobin (Hb) is a crucial molecule in the human body, consisting of four polypeptide chains, each bound to an iron-containing heme group. This unique structure enables hemoglobin to bind to oxygen, with each molecule capable of combining with four molecules of oxygen, leading to rapid and reversible oxygen loading. When fully loaded with oxygen, it is called oxyhemoglobin, while hemoglobin that has released oxygen is called reduced hemoglobin or deoxyhemoglobin. As hemoglobin binds oxygen,...

Chemical Factors Affecting Respiration Centers

Chemical Factors Affecting Respiration Centers

Chemical factors such as changing CO2, O2, and H+ levels in arterial blood play a critical role in influencing respiration depth and rates. These variations are detected by chemoreceptors—specialized sensors located in two primary body areas. Central chemoreceptors are found throughout the brain stem, including the ventrolateral medulla, while peripheral chemoreceptors are located in the aortic arch and carotid arteries.
CO2 has a potent influence on respiration and is strictly regulated. Under...

Other Factors Affecting Respiration Centers

Other Factors Affecting Respiration Centers

Breathing is primarily an involuntary activity regulated by the brainstem respiratory centers. However, it can also be consciously controlled, allowing us to hold our breath or take deeper breaths when needed. This voluntary control is facilitated by the cerebral motor cortex, which bypasses the medullary centers to stimulate the respiratory muscles directly.
However, the ability to hold one's breath voluntarily is not limitless. When the CO2 concentration in the blood reaches a critical level,...

Hyperpnea and Hyperventilation

Hyperpnea and Hyperventilation

Hyperventilation refers to a higher-than-normal rate and depth of breathing, often associated with anxiety attacks. This excessive breathing surpasses the body's need to expel CO2, leading to a condition known as hypocapnia - an unusually low level of carbon dioxide in the blood. Hypocapnia can constrict cerebral blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the brain, which may result in dizziness or fainting. Early signs include tingling and muscle spasms in the hands and face, caused by falling...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 23, 2026

A Model to Simulate Clinically Relevant Hypoxia in Humans

A Model to Simulate Clinically Relevant Hypoxia in Humans

Published on: December 22, 2016

Hyperbaric nitrogen prolongs breath-holding time in humans.

H Morooka¹, Y Wakasugi, H Shimamoto

¹Department of Anesthesiology, Nagasaki University School of Medicine, Japan. morooka@net.naasaki-u.ac.jp

Anesthesia and Analgesia

|August 29, 2000

Summary

Hyperbaric air significantly prolongs breath-holding time (BHT) more than hyperbaric oxygen. This effect is attributed to nitrogen

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Area of Science:

Physiology
Hyperbaric Medicine
Respiratory Physiology

Background:

Changes in partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) and oxygen (PaO2) influence respiratory stimulation.
Breath-holding time (BHT) is a key indicator of respiratory system's response to gas changes.

Purpose of the Study:

To compare the effects of hyperbaric air versus hyperbaric oxygen on BHT in humans.
To investigate the influence of hyperbaric environments on respiratory control.

Main Methods:

36 healthy volunteers were exposed to 1.0 and 2.8 atmosphere absolute (ATA) in a hyperbaric chamber.
Breath-holding time, pulse oximetry, and transcutaneous carbon dioxide tension were measured.
Participants were divided into two groups: breathing air (Group A) or breathing oxygen (Group O).

Main Results:

BHT was significantly prolonged in hyperbaric air (230 +/- 71 s at 2.8 ATA) compared to hyperbaric oxygen (180 +/- 52 s at 2.8 ATA).
Transcutaneous carbon dioxide tension was higher in the hyperbaric air group (59 +/- 2 mm Hg) than in the hyperbaric oxygen group (54 +/- 2 mm Hg) at 2.8 ATA.
The prolongation of BHT was significantly greater in hyperbaric air than in hyperbaric oxygen.

Conclusions:

Hyperbaric air significantly prolongs BHT more than hyperbaric oxygen.
The anesthetic effect of nitrogen in hyperbaric air may suppress the sensation of suffocation, leading to longer breath-holding durations.