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Related Concept Videos

Mechanism of Breathing I: Inspiration01:30

Mechanism of Breathing I: Inspiration

Introduction to Inspiration: The Respiratory System in Action
The respiratory system, an essential network for breathing, comprises the conducting and respiratory zones, each playing a crucial role in the overall process of respiration. Let us explore the detailed mechanism of inspiration, or inhalation, which is the first phase of the respiratory cycle.
Pathway of Air during Inspiration
During inspiration, air enters our body through the nose or mouth and moves through the conducting zone,...
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...
Mechanism of Breathing II: Expiration01:23

Mechanism of Breathing II: Expiration

The Physiology of Expiration: A Seamless Respiratory Process
Expiration, or exhaling, is a complex physiological process that begins as the inspiratory muscles begin to relax. This relaxation triggers a series of events that epitomize the efficiency of the respiratory system.
Mechanism of Expiration:
Mechanism of Breathing III: The Accessory Muscles01:21

Mechanism of Breathing III: The Accessory Muscles

The Role of Accessory Muscles in the Respiratory System
The respiratory system is a complex network that relies on primary respiratory muscles like the diaphragm, but also involves accessory muscles to enhance lung expansion and airflow during both inhalation and exhalation.
Enhancing Inhalation with Accessory Muscles:
Accessory muscles such as the sternocleidomastoid, scalene, intercostal, and abdominal muscles are crucial when additional respiratory effort is required, such as during deep...
Chemical Factors Affecting Respiration Centers01:31

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 Centers01:17

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,...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Training Rats to Voluntarily Dive Underwater: Investigations of the Mammalian Diving Response
11:56

Training Rats to Voluntarily Dive Underwater: Investigations of the Mammalian Diving Response

Published on: November 12, 2014

Mechanism of the human diving response

B A Gooden1

  • 1Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, U.K.

Integrative Physiological and Behavioral Science : the Official Journal of the Pavlovian Society
|January 1, 1994
PubMed
Summary

The human diving response involves breath-holding, slowed heart rate (diving bradycardia), and altered blood flow, triggered by facial water immersion and breathing cessation. This physiological reaction is regulated by the brain stem and influenced by factors like water temperature.

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Last Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Training Rats to Voluntarily Dive Underwater: Investigations of the Mammalian Diving Response
11:56

Training Rats to Voluntarily Dive Underwater: Investigations of the Mammalian Diving Response

Published on: November 12, 2014

A Model to Simulate Clinically Relevant Hypoxia in Humans
09:54

A Model to Simulate Clinically Relevant Hypoxia in Humans

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A Rapidly Incremented Tethered-Swimming Maximal Protocol for Cardiorespiratory Assessment of Swimmers
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Published on: January 28, 2020

Area of Science:

  • Physiology
  • Human Diving Response

Background:

  • The human diving response is a complex physiological reaction.
  • It involves breath-holding, bradycardia, altered limb blood flow, and increased blood pressure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the physiological characteristics of the human diving response.
  • To explain the underlying neural mechanisms and modifying factors.

Main Methods:

  • The abstract does not specify methods but describes observed physiological changes.
  • It infers nervous system coordination based on known physiological responses.

Main Results:

  • Diving response includes breath-holding, diving bradycardia, reduced limb blood flow, and elevated mean arterial blood pressure.
  • Bradycardia stems from parasympathetic stimulation; reduced limb flow from sympathetic vasoconstriction.
  • The response is initiated by facial water contact and apnea, coordinated in the brain stem.

Conclusions:

  • The human diving response is a coordinated autonomic and respiratory reflex.
  • Key modulators include water temperature, arterial oxygen levels, and emotional state.