When attached to an oxygen cylinder, what does the regulator control?

The regulator attached to an oxygen cylinder primarily controls the rate of oxygen flow from the cylinder to the patient or the environment. Its function is to reduce the high pressure of oxygen stored in the cylinder to a usable level and to allow the user to adjust the flow rate based on the specific needs of the situation. By doing this, the regulator ensures that oxygen is delivered in a controlled manner, providing the correct amount to support breathing or other medical requirements.

This feature is vital in various scenarios, such as administering oxygen therapy to a patient, where precise control over the flow rate can significantly impact treatment effectiveness and patient safety.