The Correct Way to Do Inspiration and Expiration

Respiratory System:

* Primary function is to obtain oxygen for use by body's cells & eliminate carbon dioxide that cells produce
* Includes respiratory airways leading into (& out of) lungs plus the lungs themselves
* Pathway of air: nasal cavities (or oral cavity) > pharynx > trachea > primary bronchi (right & left) > secondary bronchi > tertiary bronchi > bronchioles > alveoli (site of gas exchange)

This occurs within the respiratory system. During inpiration, the intercostal muscles contract, the diaphragm descends, and the rib cage rises. The thoracic cavity volume increases, stretching the lungs, and the intrapulmonary volume increases. This causes the intrapulmonary pressure to drop. Air flows into the lungs until the intrapulmonary pressure equals the atmospheric pressure.

During expiration the intercostal muscles relax, the diaphragm rises, and the rib cage descends. The thoracic cavity volume decreases, causing the the lungs to recoil, and the intrapulmonary volume decreases. This causes the intrapulmonary pressure to rise, and the air flows out of the lungs until the intrapulmonary pressure equals the atmospheric pressure.

Your respiratory rate changes. When active, for example, your respiratory rate goes up; when less active, or sleeping, the rate goes down. Also, even though the respiratory muscles are voluntary, you can't consciously control them when you're sleeping. So, how is respiratory rate altered & how is respiration controlled when you're not consciously thinking about respiration?