Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 9, 2025

Breathing-controlled Electrical Stimulation BreEStim for Management of Neuropathic Pain and Spasticity
Published on: January 10, 2013
To breathe or not to breathe: Interoceptive predictions in an anxious brain
Valentina Jelinčić1, Andreas von Leupoldt1
1Research Group Health Psychology, Department of Psychology, KU Leuven, Tiensestraat 102 (postbox 3726), 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
Abstract:
Respiration is gaining traction as an important and consciously accessible interoceptive domain with strong relationships to anxiety. In this issue of Neuron, Harrison et al. (2021) report a tour de force investigation into this relationship at multiple levels of interoception, featuring a novel respiratory learning task.
Related Concept Videos
Other Factors Affecting Respiration Centers
However, the ability to hold one's breath voluntarily is not limitless. When the CO2 concentration in the blood reaches a critical...
Neural Control of Respiration
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 Respiration
Central Control
The brainstem is the primary site of central control, hosting respiratory centers:
Physiological Control of Respiration
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...
Anxiety: Overview
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
Hyperpnea and Hyperventilation

