Control of ventilation

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Control of Ventilation

The Control of Ventilation is a complex process that involves the coordination of various physiological systems to maintain adequate oxygen levels in the body and remove carbon dioxide. This process is primarily regulated by the respiratory center in the brain, which receives input from various sensors throughout the body.

Mechanisms of Control[edit | edit source]

The control of ventilation involves two primary mechanisms: Chemical Control and Neural Control.

Chemical Control[edit | edit source]

Chemical control of ventilation is primarily driven by the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH in the blood. The chemoreceptors in the carotid bodies and aortic bodies monitor these levels and send signals to the respiratory center in the brain to adjust the rate and depth of breathing.

Neural Control[edit | edit source]

Neural control of ventilation involves the nervous system. The medulla oblongata and pons in the brainstem contain the respiratory center, which sends signals to the diaphragm and other respiratory muscles to control the rate and depth of breathing.

Factors Affecting Control of Ventilation[edit | edit source]

Various factors can affect the control of ventilation, including disease, exercise, altitude, and drugs. These factors can alter the sensitivity of the chemoreceptors and the respiratory center, leading to changes in the control of ventilation.

Diseases and Disorders[edit | edit source]

Certain diseases and disorders can affect the control of ventilation. These include Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Asthma, Sleep Apnea, and Respiratory Failure. These conditions can impair the body's ability to control ventilation, leading to hypoxia (low oxygen levels) and hypercapnia (high carbon dioxide levels).

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Control of ventilation Resources
Doctor showing form.jpg
Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Admin, Prab R. Tumpati, MD