Question

Which region in the brain helps regulate respiration?

• A. Pons
• B. Medulla
• C. Cerebellum
• D. Both a and b

Answer 1

The correct option is D Both a and b

The Neural system mainly consists of the brain, spinal cords, nerves, and sensory organs. The brain has several parts like the cerebrum (forebrain), midbrain, medulla oblongata (stem-like structure in hindbrain), pons (horseshoe-shaped structure in hindbrain connecting medulla with cerebellum), and cerebellum (dorsal projection in hindbrain). Both medulla and pons have regions responsible for the regulation of respiration. The medulla contains a respiratory rhythm centre that primarily controls respiratory rhythm while pons possesses a pneumotaxic centre that moderates the function of the respiratory rhythm centre. The cerebellum is not responsible for the regulation of respiratory rhythm. It is primarily responsible for controlling voluntary actions.