How does the body control respiratory rate?

Answer 1

there's a part of this brain called the respiratory system and if i am not mistaken it is located in a part of the brain called pons and the medulla oblongata. the brain controls the rate of breathing by monitoring the level of carbon dioxide in the blood. CO2 by the way is the main stimulus for breathing. without it, you just stop breathing at all (so CO2 is not at all that bad). anyway, when CO2 levels in the blood is high a condition known as respiratory acidosis develops. as a compensatory mechanism the brain causes us to hyperventilate to get rid of that extra CO2. when the CO2 level is low on the other hand, respiratory alkalosis develops. as a result the brain will cause us to hypoventilate which allows for the accumulation of CO2 in the blood. CO2 is maintained at a normal range which is 35 - 45 mmHg.

Answer 2

It doesn't actually control the actual rate because there is no rate of breathing but it does control the fact that your body needs oxygen so it makes sure you get it. So in a sense it might but since you can hold your breath you don't have a rate just a flow, and the brain does control the flow if you think don't breath then you won't breathing is involuntary. You think to move your arm but when you are asleep you don't unless it is uncontrollable, but you do breathe.

Answer 3

Yes, the medulla oblongata and pons (in the brainstem), as part of the autonomic nervous system, initiate respiration. The hypothalamus, located above the brainstem, controls metabolic processes and is likely involved, through neurons containing certain neuropeptides.

You can control your inhalation and exhalation voluntarily, but nerve impulses will eventually compel you to inhale, even if it occurs after loss of consciousness.

Answer 4

Yes. It is the automatic center in the part of the brain called the hypothalamus.