One of the vital functions of the human body is the respiratory function. This physiological effect is fully automated and regulated by the central nervous system (central nervous system) with the help of the respiratory center. The respiratory center is located in the lower part of the brain. In a calm state, a healthy person does not notice his breathing, although filling the lungs with air (inhalation) and then releasing them from the already exhausted air environment (exhalation) is a rather complicated process, accompanied by rhythmic movements of the intercostal muscles, as well as the muscles of the diaphragm. The question of where the respiratory center is located has long been the subject of discussion in the scientific community, since the respiratory function of the body has several physiological mechanisms and can be controlled from both the brain and the spinal cord.
Respiration and metabolism
Breathing provides the body with metabolic gas exchange, in which two chemical compounds are involved: oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2). With an excess of carbon dioxide in the blood , the central nervous system sends an impulse that activates respiration, while the flow of oxygen increases. And vice versa, in case of over-saturation of the body with oxygen, inhibition of respiratory function occurs, the number of contractions of the chest decreases, and oxygen begins to enter the blood in a minimum amount. Thus, the body maintains a balance of gas exchange.
15 cuts per minute
The central nervous system submits to two groups of neurons, they are located in the respiratory center, and the respiratory center is located in the so-called medulla oblongata. Both groups of neurons perform one function, and this function consists of two parts, inhalation and exhalation. The first group includes inspiratory neurons responsible for inspiration, and the second group includes expiratory neurons responsible for exhalation. Both of them are activated in turn, sending working impulses in a certain rhythm (usually 15 chest contractions per minute), which ensures the optimal gas exchange in the body. Impulses pass through the pneumotactic center located in the part of the brain called the "Varolian bridge", which is located above the medulla oblongata. Since the respiratory center itself is located in the medulla oblongata, a complex two-stage transmission of impulses acts in the body.
Inhale and exhale
Excited inspiratory neurons reach the intercostal muscles and cause it to contract, while the diaphragm muscles also begin to contract. There is a breath that delivers the next portion of oxygen into the body. When inhaling, the lungs expand, receptors located in the pulmonary lobes come into motion. They, in turn, send impulses to the medulla oblongata. The respiratory center receives impulses and turns them into a brake for inspiratory neurons that lose activity. The expiratory neurons of the respiratory center begin to become excited. They cause a reaction in the muscle group responsible for the contraction of the chest, and thus exhale.
Emotions and breathing
In addition to inspiratory and expiratory neurons, other factors influence the respiration process. Since the respiratory center is located in one of the parts of the brain, it is subject to the influence of many related factors. Breathing can become more frequent from physical exertion, emotional experiences, feelings of fear or danger. The activity of the respiratory center also depends on the hormonal state of the body. But in any case, there is a regulation of metabolic processes in the human body through the enrichment of blood with oxygen.