What controls our breathing? We obviously have some conscious control over it because we can voluntarily hold our breath for a short while or breathe faster and deeper. Most of the time, however, automatic control centres in our brain regulate our breathing movements. Automatic control is essential, for it ensures coordination between the respiratory and circulatory systems and the body’s metabolic needs for gas exchange. Anatomically, our breathing control centres are located in parts of the brain called “the pons” and “the medulla.” Nerves from the medulla’s control centre signal the diaphragm and rib muscles to contract, making us inhale. These nerves send out signals that result in about 10-14 inhalations per minute when we are at rest. Between inhalations, the muscles relax, and we exhale. The control centre in the pons smooths out the basic rhythm of breathing set by the medulla.