How is respiration regulated?

Respiration is mainly regulated by the respiratory centers in the brainstem—specifically the medulla oblongata and pons. These centers respond to chemical signals in the blood, especially:

• CO₂ levels: The primary driver. Increased CO₂ lowers blood pH, triggering faster, deeper breathing.

• O₂ levels: Detected by peripheral chemoreceptors in the carotid and aortic bodies. These kick in more during hypoxia (low O₂).

• pH levels: Changes in pH (even without CO₂ changes) also influence breathing rate.

It’s a feedback system—your body adjusts breathing automatically to keep blood gases stable.