Anatomy and Physiology II Practice Test

What type of receptors inhibit the inspiratory center to prevent over-expansion of the lungs?

1. Baroreceptors

2. Stretch receptors

3. Pain receptors

4. Proprioceptors

The correct answer is: Stretch receptors

Stretch receptors play a crucial role in regulating the breathing process by inhibiting the inspiratory center to prevent over-expansion of the lungs. These receptors are located in the walls of the lungs and are sensitive to the degree of lung inflation. When the lungs expand during inhalation, the stretch receptors are activated and send signals to the brain to inform it that the lungs have reached their optimal capacity. As a result, the inspiratory center is inhibited, leading to the cessation of inhalation and triggering exhalation. This feedback mechanism is essential for maintaining proper lung volume and preventing damage from excessive inflation. Baroreceptors, while they are involved in monitoring pressure changes within the cardiovascular system, do not directly influence the control of breathing related to lung expansion. Similarly, pain receptors primarily respond to tissue damage and do not play a significant role in the regulation of lung expansion. Proprioceptors provide information about body position and movement but do not specifically inhibit the inspiratory center based on lung capacity. Thus, the function of stretch receptors is vital in the context of respiratory physiology.