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please tell me what are the factors helping in respiration in human beings. |
The rate and depth of human respiration is controlled by many different factors. Some are under conscious control; others aren't. In fact, respiration is unique among organ system functions in that while it’s generally under the control of the autonomic nervous system. Oxygen Oxygen concentration should affect respiration, because a major purpose of the lungs is to saturate the blood with oxygen. Carbon Dioxide Carbon dioxide is one of the chemicals that most significantly affect respiration rate. Parts of the brain and the aortic bodies jointly sense carbon dioxide, and either lower or higher than normal concentrations of the compound elicit a response. Too much carbon dioxide increases respiration rate, because each breath pulls in oxygen and exhales carbon dioxide. Acid Acidity provides another mechanism for tracking carbon dioxide concentration in the blood, because carbon dioxide combines with water to form an acid. Parts of the brain are very pH sensitive. They’re meant to sense acid from carbon dioxide but are incapable of distinguishing between acids, so any acid in the bloodstream causes respiration rate to increase. Epinephrine The "fight or flight" hormone, epinephrine, affects the body in many different ways. Each is designed to prepare a person for action. Heart rate increases, blood is diverted from the stomach toward the muscles, and respiration increase under the influence of this hormone. Acetylcholine The neurotransmitter of the “rest and digest” branch of the nervous system, acetylcholine acts to constrict airways and slow respiration. |