Neural control

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.
Last modified: Saturday, 4 June 2011, 8:46 AM