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Control of Breathing. The Medulla Oblongata. The respiratory center is in the lower part of the brain called the medulla oblongata . The medulla oblongata also controls: The cardiac center – responsible for monitoring heart rate and blood pressure.
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The Medulla Oblongata • The respiratory center is in the lower part of the brain called the medulla oblongata. • The medulla oblongata also controls: • The cardiaccenter – responsible for monitoring heart rate and blood pressure. • Reflexes– i.e. swallowing, coughing, vomiting… • The main signal for the body to increase respiration is an increase in CO2concentrationin the blood.
Normal Breathing • The medulla oblongata sends out regular nerve impulses to initiate movement of the diaphragmand intercostalmuscles. • This produces a rhythmic pattern of inspirationand expiration. • Stretch receptors in the lung send a signal to the medulla oblongata telling it to stop inhaling when the lung is full.
Increasing the Rate of Breathing • Excess CO2in the blood vessels to chemoreceptors in the medulla oblongata – this is a major role. • Decrease in O2in the blood triggers chemoreceptors in the blood vessels, which stimulate the medulla oblongata – this is a minor role. • The medulla oblongata sends out nerve impulses to initiate faster movement of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. • Breathing rate increases.