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Central Respiratory Control

Meaning

Central Respiratory Control refers to the involuntary neurological process originating in the brainstem that governs the rhythm, depth, and rate of breathing to maintain optimal blood gas levels. This essential physiological function ensures adequate oxygenation and carbon dioxide clearance, adapting ventilation to metabolic demands. The respiratory control centers in the medulla and pons integrate chemical signals, primarily from chemoreceptors monitoring carbon dioxide and pH, to issue efferent signals to the respiratory muscles. Proper function of this control system is paramount for systemic homeostasis and is often evaluated in sleep medicine.