Chapter 9, Problem 1RQ

The respiratory components of the medulla consist of which of the following?

Dorsal respiratory group

Apneustic center

Ventral respiratory group

Pneumotaxic center

1 only

2 only

1 and 3 only

2 and 4 only

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

The brain comprises three parts, namely cerebrum, cerebellum, and brain stem. The cerebrum is connected to the spinal cord by the brain stem. The brain stem consists of the pons, midbrain, and medulla, which is the posterior part of the brain. It regulates the sleep cycle, cardiac functions, and respiratory functions.

Answer to Problem 1RQ

Correct answer:

The respiratory components of the medulla consist of the dorsal respiratory group and ventral respiratory group.

Explanation of Solution

Justification for the correct answer:

Option (C) is, ‘dorsal and ventral respiratory groups.’ There are two different groups of neurons, which regulate the coordination of respiration. Both these groups are located within the medulla oblongata. The respiratory neurons are together known as the medullary respiratory center. The names of the respiratory neurons are dorsal respiratory group and ventral respiratory group. Hence, option (C) is the correct answer.

Justification for the incorrect answers:

Option (A) is, ‘a dorsal respiratory group.’ It is false, as the ventral respiratory group is also located within the medulla oblongata and is responsible for coordinating the respiration. So, it is an incorrect option.

Option (B) is, ‘apneustic center.’ It is false, as the apneustic center is located in the pons, and not, the medulla oblongata. So, it is an incorrect option.

Option (D) is, ‘apneustic and pneumotaxic centers.’ It is false, as both the apneustic center and pneumotaxic centers are located within the pons, and not, the medulla oblongata. So, it is an incorrect option.

Hence, options (A), (B), and (D) are incorrect.

Conclusion

Therefore, it can be concluded that the respiratory components of the medulla consist of two neuron groups, namely ventral respiratory group and dorsal respiratory group.