Regulation of Respiration: DR Mohamed Hassan
Regulation of Respiration: DR Mohamed Hassan
RESPIRATION
Dr Mohamed Hassan
MBBS, PhD Candidate
THE RESPIRATORY CENTRE
Central
chemoreceptors + - Peripheral
chemoreceptors
DRG
Spinal motoneurons
Cervical (3,4,5) & Thoracic (1-12)
VENTRAL RESPIRATORY GROUP (VRG)
• Anterolateral To DRG
• Activated During Heavy Breathing; E.G. Exercise
• During Such Conditions, The Increased Activity Of Inspiratory Neurons Activates The
VRG
• In Turn, The Activated VRG Discharge:
- Inhibits Inspiratory Group
- Stimulates The Muscles Of Expiration; Internal Intercostals, Abdominal Recti.
PONTINE RESPIRATORY
CENTRES
APNEUSTIC CENTRE:
• In The Lower 1/3 Close
To Medullary Groups
• Sends Stimulatory
Discharge To Inspiratory
Neurons Promoting
Inspiration
• Removal Of Its
Stimulatory Effect→
Respiration Becomes
Shallow & Irregular
PNEUMOTAXIC CENTRE
• In Upper 2/3 Of Pons
• Its Major Role Is Regulation Of
Respiratory Volume & Rate
• Controlling Cessation Of
Inspiratory Ramp Signal From
DIG;
• Switch-off DIG & Apneustic
Centre → Expiration Occurs
• Hypoactivation Of This Centre
→Prolonged Deep Inspiration
With Limited Brief Expiration
• Hyperactivation →Shallow
Inspiration
CHEMICAL CONTROL OF RESPIRATION
• However, The Direct Stimulant For Neurons Of Central Chemoreceptors Is Only H+ Ions
• But H+ Can Not Cross Blood Brain Barrier While CO2 Can
Peripheral
chemoreceptors
are the only
sensors detecting a
fall in PO2
Stimulation Of Peripheral Chemoreceptors
• The Carotid & Aortic Bodies Are
Sensitive To
Fall In Pao2,
An Increase In Paco2 Or H+
Concentration
• They Maximally Stimulated When
Pao2 Decreases Below 50-60mm Hg
• They Detect Changes In Dissolved O2
But Not In The O2 That Is Bound To
Hb (E.G. In Anaemia There Is Normal
Pao2 But Reduced Content Of O2
Bound To Hb)
EFFECT OF A DECREASED PAO2
HERING-BREUER INFLATION REFLEX
• Stretch Receptors Located In The Muscular Portions Of The Walls Of The Bronchi And
Bronchioles Through The Lungs Transmit Signals Through The Vagus Into The Dorsal
Respiratory Group Of Neurons When The Lungs Become Over Stretched.
• When The Lungs Become Over Inflated The Stretch Receptors Activate A Feedback Response
That Switches Off The Inspiratory Ramp And Stops Further Inspiration.
• The Hering-breuer Reflex Is A Protective Mechanism For Preventing Excess Lung Inflation.
Other Factors That Affect Respiration
• Through Descending Tracts From The Cerebral Cortex To Motor Neurons Of The Respiratory
Muscles (Dorsolateral Corticospinal Tracts)
• This Provides CNS The Ability To Override The Automatic Regulation Of Respiration For
Short Time E.G. Holding Breath But The Involuntary Control Will Take Over (↑ PCO2, H+),
Or Deliberate Hyperventilation (↓PCO2)
Other Factors That Affect Respiration
2. J-RECEPTOR REFLEX
• EMOTIONAL ACTIVITY
• SPEAKING, SINGING A SONG, SWIMMING
Medullary Respiratory Centers
91+19
NORMAL RESPIRATORY RATES
• INFANT 30-60
• TODDLER 24-40
• PRESCHOOLER 22-34
• SCHOOL-AGE CHILD 18-30
• ADOLESCENT 12-16
• ADULT 10-20
EFFECTS OF AGING