New Theory of Holistic Integrative Physiology and Medicine II: Mechanism of Breathing Control
Authors: Sun Xing‐Guo 
Published: November 2023

Objective

Traditionally, breathing is the only vital sign. In traditional respiratory systemic physiology, we commonly analyzed the relationships between ventilation and control parameters. We less considered the efforts of time and space (location of structure) and the complexity of life control. After more than 20 years hard study in physiology, we set all functions of human being as an organic set of functional structure frame (see first abstract). Based on this frame, we plan to use the different blood gas signals (trinity of PO2, PCO2 and [H+]) at different location of circulatory line to discuss the how we control our breathing after birth.

Methods

Based on the traditional knowledge of breathing control physiology and holistic integrative organic set of human life, we did establish the new theoretical mechanism to explain breathing control.

Results

After birth, an independent human life is depended upon BREATHING. The characteristics of blood gas signals at different time and location: 1. At venous side (end pulmonary artery), blood gas signals are flat, not waveform. 2. While blood passes the breathing lung, the PO2 and PCO2 balanced with alveolar gases at pulmonary capillary, so that blood gas signals are always up‐down waveform in PV and left atrium depend on the time of breathing cycle (ins‐ or expiration). 3. In left ventricle, the blood of last end‐systolic mix with now blood drawn from left atrium by diastolic ventricle. 4. Next systolic period, left ventricle pump blood into artery. Same as these in PV, the arterial blood gas signals are always up‐down waveform too. However, their magnitudes in artery are lower than these in PV. Combine neuro‐ and humoral‐control, time and space, we explained mechanism of breathing control to keep our averaged PaO2=~100mmHg, PaCO2=40mmHg and pHa=7.40 normally. The core innovations of the breathing control are explanations of switching between inspiration and expiration and the stable maintaining of ventilation. The nerve and fast response peripheral chemical receptors in arterial line (aorta arch and carotid body) pick up the ventilating lung generated up‐down signals of arterial blood gas waveform to switch the lung's inspiration and expiration off alternatively. The slow response (delay about 30s) central chemical receptor (medulla over the central integrative center) picks up the main level signal of arterial blood gas to maintain the stability of ventilation. The pulmonary capillary, pulmonary vein, left atrium, left ventricle, aorta, and artery are the parts in the circulatory line. The signal from receptors to muscles is transferred electronically, which dominantly neuron‐control; but signal from lung to receptors at artery is transferred by blood flow, which dominantly heart‐control. Via the circulation, it integrates all systems to take part in the life control.

Conclusion

Our theory can explain the mechanisms of switching between inspiration and expiration and maintaining stability of ventilation for human. Based on it, we also explain some problems of breathing in physiology, for example: why fetal does not breathing; how first breath start; how respiratory rhythm and frequency generate, etc. in different abstracts.

Support or Funding Information

CNSF‐Medical Science Program (81470204); NCCVD Fuwai Hospital Start Program (2012‐YJR02)