Chapter 22, Problem 18TYR

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

Breathing is the process of exchange of air to and from the lungs. It has two phases, inspiration and expiration. Inspiration is breathing in of air, which reaches the lungs and expiration is removal of air by breathing out from the lungs. There are respiratory centers located in the brain stem where breathing is regulated. The medulla oblongata and pons are the central respiratory centers of the brain. The main function of the medulla oblongata is to regulate breathing. The respiratory centers have chemoreceptors which can easily identify any alteration in the pH levels of the blood, thus directing the signals to the respiratory centers to regulate the ventilation rate.