VPB 121: Veterinary Physiology - II (2+1)

NEURAL CONTROL

• Pulmonary ventilation is regulated closely to maintain the concentrations of H⁺, CO₂, and O₂ at relatively constant levels while meeting the needs of the body under varying conditions.
• If either the H⁺ or the CO₂ concentration increases or if the O₂ concentration decreases, their levels will be returned to normal by increasing ventilation.
• Conversely, if either the H⁺ or CO₂ concentration decreases or if the O₂ concentration increases, pulmonary ventilation will be decreased. This regulatory mechanism is controlled by changes in tidal volume, frequency of respiratory cycles, or both.