Respiration 5

1. Structure & Function of the Respiratory System

a. Identify the different parts of the Respiratory System
b. Know the functions of the different parts of the Respiratory System
2. Ventilation
a. Mechanics and process of breathing – humans, birds and frogs
3. Gaseous exchange
a. Oxygen and Carbon dioxide transfer
4. Gas transport
a. Roles of hemoglobin in oxygen & carbon dioxide transport
b. Dissociation curve
5. Control of respiration
a. How respiration is regulated
 Lesson’s Learning Goals/Outcomes
• Understand which factors are monitored and affect
respiration rate
• Describe which factor primarily sets the rate and depth of
respiration.
• Understand the neural control of respiration
• Know where the respiratory centre is located and what it
does
• Describe which receptors are important in controlling
respiration and their location
• Describe how and which muscles are invigorated in
inhalation and exhalation
• Describe the conscious control of breathing (muscles
used and its limitations)
264 C HA P TE R 1 0 The Respiratory System: Exchange of Gases

the concentrations of certain key variables, most notably the
concentrations of CO2, H+, and O2. In addition, we can exert a
certain amount of conscious control over breathing if we wish.
A respiratory center establishes
rhythm of breathing
The basic cyclic pattern of inspiration and expiration and the
rate at which we breathe are established in an area near the
base of the brain called the medulla oblongata. Within this
area, called the respiratory center (Figure 10.13a), groups
of nerve cells automatically generate a cyclic pattern of
electrical impulses every 4–5 seconds. The impulses travel
along nerves to the diaphragm and the intercostal muscles
and stimulate those muscles to contract. As these respiratory
muscles contract, the rib cage expands, the diaphragm is
pulled downward, and we inhale. As inhalation proceeds,
the respiratory center receives sensory input from stretch

d) Higher centers in the cortex

can exert conscious control
over respiration.

a) A respiratory center in the brain

establishes a regular pattern of
breathing.

b) Receptor cells near the respiratory Medulla oblongata

center respond to changes in
cerebrospinal fluid H+ caused by
increases in arterial CO2.
Nerve signals to and from
the respiratory center

c) Receptor cells in the

carotid and aortic
bodies respond
to large decreases Carotid bodies
in arterial O2.

Aortic bodies

Intercostal muscles

Diaphragm

Figure 10.13 Regulation of breathing. The basic pattern of breathing is established by a

respiratory center within the medulla oblongata. Normally, the rate and depth of respiration are set
primarily to regulate blood CO2 levels, but respiration can also be stimulated by a substantial drop
in blood O2 levels. In addition, respiration can be controlled (at least for short periods of time) by
conscious control.