Explain the Brain's Role in Respiration

The brain is the center of all the bodily functions. It controls everything that allows us to live, think and feel. Therefore, the brain plays a vital role in respiration.

Location

According to the book "The Autonomic Nervous System: An Introduction to Basic and Clinical Concepts," the medulla oblongata is the area of the brain that controls respiration.

History

The medulla oblongata's connection to respiration was discovered by the French physiologist Legallois in 1809. He performed experiments on rabbits and cats that revealed the medulla oblongata's exclusive role in respiration.

Process

Respiration occurs when impurity-laden venous blood, which has given up its oxygen to tissues, accumulates in the lungs. When this occurs, the lungs send a message to the medulla oblongata, which sends the signal to inhale oxygen from outside and exhale the impurities in the lungs. This happens every time we breathe.

Control

The act of respiration is partially under our control. We can hold our breath, effectively stopping respiration, until the venous blood builds to a point that our bodies can no longer handle it. This manifests in the sensation of being short of breath.

The Vital Knot

The vital knot is the upper area of the medulla oblongata that is most necessary for respiration. Other parts of the medulla oblongata can be damaged and respiration can still occur. If the vital knot is removed or destroyed, the result is instant death. It is the quickest way to kill animals.

References

• "The Essentials of Anatomy, Physiology, and Hygiene; A Text-Book for Schools and Academies;" Roger Sherman Tracy; 2009
• "A Text-book of Human Physiology: designed for the use of practitioners and students of medicine;" Austin Flint; 1886
• "The Autonomic Nervous System: an introduction to basic and clinical concepts;" Otto Appenzeller, Emilio Oribe; 1997