Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Continuous Telemetric In Utero Tracheal Pressure Measurements in Fetal Lambs
05:40

Continuous Telemetric In Utero Tracheal Pressure Measurements in Fetal Lambs

Published on: December 22, 2023

Development of ventilatory control in infants.

John L Carroll1, Amit Agarwal

  • 1University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, Arkansas 72212, USA. carrolljohnl@uams.edu

Paediatric Respiratory Reviews
|November 27, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Infant ventilatory control abnormalities often stem from immaturity or developmental issues, impacting breathing from birth. Understanding ventilatory control maturation is key to improving infant clinical care.

Related Concept Videos

Physiological Control of Respiration01:23

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...
Mechanical Ventilation I: Indication and Settings01:29

Mechanical Ventilation I: Indication and Settings

Mechanical ventilation is a life-saving technique for managing acute respiratory failure and other respiratory complications. The process involves using a machine known as a ventilator to supply oxygen to the lungs and assist in removing carbon dioxide. It serves as a bridge to long-term mechanical ventilation or a temporary measure until ventilatory support is discontinued. The ventilator can maintain this function for a prolonged period, providing critical support for patients until they can...
Neural Control of Respiration01:18

Neural Control of Respiration

The neural regulation of respiration is a meticulously coordinated process primarily controlled by the respiratory centers located within the brainstem. These centers, composed of specialized neurons, transmit nerve impulses that control the contraction and relaxation of our respiratory muscles.
Respiratory Centers in the Brainstem
Two primary areas comprise the respiratory center: the medullary respiratory center in the medulla oblongata and the pontine respiratory group in the pons. The...
Physiology of Respiration II: Neurogenic Control of Respiration01:22

Physiology of Respiration II: Neurogenic Control of Respiration

The neurogenic control of respiration coordinates various neural networks and pathways to regulate breathing rate and depth, meeting the body's oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange requirements. This system adapts to physiological and environmental conditions, ensuring optimal breathing patterns.
Central Control
The brainstem is the primary site of central control, hosting respiratory centers:
Mechanical Ventilation II: Invasive Ventilation01:23

Mechanical Ventilation II: Invasive Ventilation

Ventilators are essential medical equipment used to aid patients with respiratory difficulties. Their primary function is to assist or replace spontaneous breathing by providing mechanical ventilation. There are two general classes of mechanical ventilators: negative-pressure and positive-pressure ventilators.
Negative-Pressure Ventilators
Negative-pressure ventilators create a vacuum around the chest or body to draw air into the lungs, simulating breathing. This method does not require an...
Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation01:19

Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation

Besides the pressure difference between the external environment and the lungs, the airflow rate and ease of pulmonary ventilation are also influenced by three other factors: surface tension of the fluid in the alveoli, compliance of the lungs, and airway resistance.
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...