How does the nervous system influence the respiratory system?(1 point)
Responses
It regulates urine output.
It regulates urine output.
It regulates blood pressure.
It regulates blood pressure.
It controls muscle contraction.
It controls muscle contraction.
It stimulates defense against pathogens.
It controls muscle contraction.
The nervous system influences the respiratory system in multiple ways, including:
1. Controlling muscle contraction: The nervous system regulates the muscles involved in breathing, such as the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. Through signals from the brain and spinal cord, the nervous system coordinates the contraction and relaxation of these muscles, allowing for the movement of the ribcage and the expansion and contraction of the lungs during inhalation and exhalation.
2. Regulating blood pressure: The nervous system plays a role in regulating blood pressure, which indirectly affects the respiratory system. Certain neurons in the brainstem respond to changes in blood pressure and send signals to adjust the rate and depth of breathing accordingly.
It is important to note that while the nervous system does stimulate defense against pathogens, this response is primarily mediated by the immune system rather than the respiratory system.
The correct answer is: It controls muscle contraction.
The nervous system plays a crucial role in coordinating the various organs and systems of the body, including the respiratory system. One of the ways it influences the respiratory system is by controlling muscle contraction.
The respiratory system includes the lungs and the muscles involved in breathing, such as the diaphragm and the intercostal muscles. When we inhale, these muscles contract to expand the chest cavity, allowing air to enter the lungs. When we exhale, these muscles relax, and the chest cavity decreases in size, causing air to be forced out.
The nervous system, particularly the autonomic nervous system, regulates and controls the contraction of these respiratory muscles. It sends signals to these muscles to prompt them to contract or relax, thus regulating the rate and depth of breathing.
For example, during moments of stress or physical exertion, the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system is activated. This leads to increased muscle contraction in the respiratory system, resulting in more rapid and deeper breathing to meet the body's increased oxygen demand.
Conversely, when the body is at rest or during relaxation, the parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system is predominant. This branch reduces muscle contraction in the respiratory system, leading to slower and shallower breathing.
Therefore, the nervous system influences the respiratory system by controlling muscle contraction, which ultimately determines the rate and depth of breathing.