4.6.4

Controlling Ventilation Rate

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Controlling Ventilation Rate

Ventilation rate is controlled by the ventilation centre in the medulla oblongata.

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Changes to ventilation rate

  • An increase in ventilation rate can speed up the delivery of oxygen to respiring tissues and the removal of waste products.
  • Increasing the rate would be necessary during exercise, where tissues are respiring more rapidly. Rate is controlled by the ventilation centre in the medulla oblongata.
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Central chemoreceptors

  • Chemoreceptors on the medulla detect changes in pH of blood. -Carbon dioxide is produced during respiration, and it is acidic.
  • When central chemoreceptors detect an increase in acidity (so a decrease in pH), this signals to increase ventilation rate.
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Peripheral chemoreceptors

  • Peripheral chemoreceptors are located in the arteries.
  • They detect changes in chemical composition of the blood, including carbon dioxide levels, and signal accordingly for ventilation rate to speed up or slow down.

Jump to other topics

1Principles of Science I

1.1Structure & Bonding

1.2Properties of Substances

1.3Cell Structure & Function

1.4Cell Specialisation

1.5Tissue Structure & Function

1.6Working with Waves

1.7Waves in Communication

2Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques

3Science Investigation Skills

4Principles of Science II

4.1Extracting Elements

4.2Relating Properties to use of Substances

4.3Organic Chemistry

4.4Energy Changes in Industry

4.5The Circulatory System

4.6Ventilation & Gas Exchange

4.7Urinary System

4.8Cell Transport

4.9Thermal Physics

4.10Materials

4.11Fluids

5Contemporary Issues in Science

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