Which structures are involved in the control of respiration?

The structures involved in the control of respiration include the medulla oblongata and the pons in the brainstem, as well as the respiratory muscles (diaphragm, intercostal muscles) and the lungs themselves. Additionally, the chemoreceptors in the carotid bodies and aortic bodies play a role in detecting changes in blood oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, which can influence breathing rate and depth.

- Medulla oblongata: The medulla contains the respiratory center, which is made up of three groups of neurons that control the rate and depth of breathing.
- Pons: The pons contains the pneumotaxic center, which helps to regulate the rate of breathing.
- Hypothalamus: The hypothalamus contains the thermoregulatory center, which helps to regulate the rate of breathing in response to changes in body temperature.
- Cerebral cortex: The cerebral cortex can voluntarily control the rate and depth of breathing, but it is usually not involved in the automatic control of respiration.