Explain the regulation of respiration by the nervous system.
Regulation of respiratory rhythm The ability to maintain and moderate the respiratory rhythm according to the demand of the body tissues is due to neural control. The respiratory rhythm centre located in the medulla of the brain, is primarily responsible for this regulation, f Pneumotaxic centre present in the brain functions as the ‘switch off point for regulation; by altering the duration of inspiration, it can alter the respiratory rate. A chemosensitive area is situated adjacent to the rhythm centre; it is highly sensitive to carbon dioxide and hydrogen ions. An increase in the concentration of these substances activates this centre which in turn sends signals to the rhythm centre to make necessary adjustments in the respiratory process. Receptors associated with aortic arch and carotid artery also are sensitive to carbon di oxide and H+ ions; they too send signals to the respiratory rhythm centre. Oxygen plays only an insignificant role in the regulation of respiratory rhythm
