Respiratory center

Japanese: 呼吸中枢 - こきゅうちゅうすう

This is the center that regulates respiratory movement. In humans, it is located in the part of the brainstem that stretches from the pons to the medulla oblongata. It is considered to be a complex center that combines several functions related to the alternation of inhalation and exhalation and the regulation of rhythm. The respiratory center and the vagus nerve that runs from the lungs to the center are involved in the regulation of respiratory movement. The former nerve cells can control the rhythm of respiratory movement by themselves (automatic excitation), but when the function of the vagus nerve is suppressed, expiratory movement weakens and the lungs continue to inhale. The excitation of the center is also affected by the concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood, mental emotions, etc.

Source : Heibonsha Encyclopedia About MyPedia Information

Japanese:

呼吸運動の調節に働く中枢。ヒトでは脳幹の橋から延髄にかけての部分にある。呼気と吸気の交代とリズムの調節にかかわるいくつかの機能を併せ持った複合的な中枢と考えられる。呼吸運動の調節は呼吸中枢と肺から中枢へ走る迷走神経が関与する。前者の神経細胞はそれ自身で呼吸運動のリズムを支配できるが（自動興奮），迷走神経の働きが押えられると，呼気運動が弱まって肺は吸気状態を持続する。また中枢の興奮は血液中の二酸化炭素の濃度，精神感動などにも影響される。

出典　株式会社平凡社百科事典マイペディアについて　情報

<<: The Palace Museum

>>: Respiratory quotient