Final answer:
Lung stretch receptors during inspiration protect the lungs from over-inflating by detecting excessive expansion and initiating a reflex to moderate breathing.
Step-by-step explanation:
During inspiration, the lung stretch receptors function to protect the lungs from over-inflating. As the diaphragm contracts and the thoracic cavity expands, the lungs similarly stretch. This action is detected by the lung stretch receptors, which are crucial for initiating the reflex that prevents excessive expansion of the lungs, safeguarding the delicate lung tissue. These stretch receptors send signals to the respiratory centers in the brain, effectively serving as a feedback mechanism to moderate the depth of inspiration and transition into expiration to ensure optimal respiratory function. The lung stretch receptors help regulate the process of breathing by sending sensory information to the brainstem, which in turn controls the contraction and relaxation of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles.