What controls our breathing? We obviously have some conscious
control over it because we can voluntarily hold our breath for a short
while or breathe faster and deeper. Most of the time, however,
automatic control centres in our brain regulate our breathing
movements. Automatic control is essential, for it ensures
coordination between the respiratory and circulatory systems and the
body’s metabolic needs for gas exchange. Anatomically, our
breathing control centres are located in parts of the brain called ‘the
pons’ and ‘the medulla.’ Nerves from the medulla’s control centre
signal the diaphragm and rib muscles to contract, making us inhale.
These nerves send out signals that result in about 10-14 inhalationsper
minute when we are at rest. Between inhalations, the muscles
relax, and we exhale. The control centre in the pons smooths out the
basic rhythm of breathing set by the medulla.