How is Breathing Rate Controlled?
Breathing is controlled by the chemistry of your blood as it interacts with a part of your brain called the medulla oblongata. This medulla oblongata helps maintain homeostasis. It responds to higher levels of carbon dioxide in your blood by sending nerve signals to the rib muscles and diaphragm. As a result, these muscles contract and you inhale. As breathing becomes more rapid, like during an exercise, a more rapid exchange between and air and blood occurs.