Sunday, April 17, 2011

Objective 45: The neuronal network that controls respiration

Characterize the neuronal network that controls respiration........



This picture provided on P. 731 of the Anatomy & Physiology textbook* helped me to understand that the neuronal network that controls breathing stems from the Pons and the Medulla of the brain. It gives a brief description of the three different respiratory centers; The Pontine that works to smooth breathing patterns, The Ventral that controls the rhythm of respiration, and the Dorsal that receives sensory input.    

Nurse's Note: There are terms that are commonly used in the medical field to describe an indiviuals breathing pattern. 
These include:
Eupnea: a normal breathing rate between 12 and 20 breaths per minute.
Dyspnea: Difficulty or pain during breathing.
Apnea: The absence of breathing.

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