Yourbreathing usually does not require any thought, because it is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, also called the involuntary nervous system.
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Respiratory systemHow to exercise with shortness of breathBreathing problems and exerciseHow to Breathe While Running: 9 Tips and Techniques to Try- The parasympathetic system slows your breathing rate. It causes your bronchial tubes to narrow and the pulmonary blood vessels to widen.
- The sympathetic system increases your breathing rate. It makes your bronchial tubes widen and the pulmonary blood vessels narrow.
Your breathing changes depending on how active you are and the condition of the air around you. For example, you need to breathe more often when you do physical activity. At times, you can control your breathing pattern, such as when you hold your breath or sing.
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The LungsTo help adjust your breathing to changing needs, your body has sensors that send signals to the breathing centers in the brain.
- Sensors in the airways detect lung irritants. The sensors can trigger sneezing or coughing. In people who have asthma, the sensors may cause the muscles around the airways in the lungs to contract. This makes the airways smaller.
- Sensors in the brain and near blood vessels detect carbon dioxide and oxygen levels in your blood.
- Sensors in your joints and muscles detect the movement of your arms or legs. These sensors may play a role in increasing your breathing rate when you are physically active.
In centralsleep apnea, the brain temporarily stops sending signals to the muscles needed to breathe.
