Your Status: Logged out Log in

Describe how the mechanism of ventilation is controlled. Describe the roles of the phrenic nerves and medulla in generating a basic breathing rhythm.  

Member rating: No Rating | Words: | Submitted: Thu Feb 10 2005

Page Preview
Preview
Previous 1 of 4 Next

On the left is an image preview of every page of this document, and below are the first 150 words with formatting removed:

Describe how the mechanism of ventilation is controlled.Describe the roles of the phrenic nerves and medulla in generating a basic breathing rhythm. Introduction The tidal flow of air into and out of the lungs is caused by differences in pressure between the thorax and the atmosphere.Air always moves from an area of higher pressure to an area of lower pressure.A ventilation mechanism ensures that a constant supply of fresh air is available to provide enough oxygen for gas exchange and to remove carbon dioxide. There are two processes of breathing- inhalation and exhalation Inhalation Air moves from high to low pressure.Hence the pressure in the lungs is low.The diaphragm muscle contracts and flattens.The external intercostals muscles contract and pull the rib cage out and up.The volume in the lung increases.This reduces the pressure in the lungs and air moves from the atmosphere(high pressure) to the lungs(low pressure) Process of breathing in Exhalation In this process the pressure...

Get instant access



  • Instant, unlimited access to our documents in full
  • Swap your work for free access, or pay £4.99
  • To see the full version of this document and 146,168 others
Register Now
OR

Receive email updates for this category



  • Simply tell us your email address and receive a weekly Study Help Email for FREE
  • Receive 3 FREE essay views with each email
  • Get all the latest essays from Coursework.Info & discussion from TheStudentRoom.co.uk