Final answer:
The nervous system controls respiratory system structures for airway dilation and constriction, while it coordinates muscle movements for breathing.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the respiratory system, the nervous system controls structures such as the bronchi, blood vessels, and glands, which are involved in the regulation of air flow and gas exchange. The parasympathetic nervous system causes bronchoconstriction, while the sympathetic nervous system stimulates bronchodilation. Reflexes like coughing also result from the autonomic nervous system control.
On the other hand, the nervous system controls the process of breathing, which involves the contraction and relaxation of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. The brainstem, specifically the medulla oblongata, plays a crucial role in regulating the rate and depth of breathing based on the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.
Overall, while the nervous system control of respiratory system structures focuses on airway dilation and constriction, the control of structures involved in breathing is centered around the coordination of muscle movements to facilitate ventilation.