Question

Pneumotaxic centre which can moderate the functions of respiratory rhythm center is present in
(a) Pons region of the brain
(b) Thalamus
(c) Spinal Cord
(d) Right Cerebral hemisphere
(e) Left cerebral hemisphere

Answer 1

Hint: Pneumotaxic centre is a group of neurons present in the same region as the apneustic centre.

Complete answer:
A pneumotaxic center is a group of neurons that acts as a switch off-center for respiration. It limits inspiration by inhibiting the apneustic center. It can increase the respiratory rate by limiting the duration of inspiration. It is located in the pons region of the brain.

Additional Information:
- The regulation of respiratory mechanisms occurs by two methods, neural regulation of respiration and chemical regulation of respiration.
- The neural regulation is controlled by two respiratory centers, the medullary respiratory center, and the pontine respiratory center.
- Respiration is a voluntary as well as involuntary mechanism.
- The group of neurons that are present in medulla and help in the control of respiration is Pre-Botzinger Complex, Dorsal Respiratory group, and Ventral Respiratory Group.
- The major function of the medulla is to generate respiratory rhythm.
- The major function of pons lies in controlling the timing of the respiratory cycle.
- The two groups of neurons present in the pons that regulate respiration are the pneumotaxic center and the apneustic center.
- The vagus nerve is also responsible for the regulation of respiration. During inspiration when the lungs are stretched, the information is carried by the vagus to the brainstem.
- The Pre-Botzinger complex is known as the pacemaker for respiration.

So, the correct answer is, ‘ the pneumotaxic center which can moderate the function of the respiratory rhythm center is present in the pons region of the brain’.

Note: The pneumotaxic and apneustic center are located in the pons region of the brain which is a part of the brain stem. Also, the medulla is located in the brainstem but the groups of neurons in the medulla are different. So both pons and medulla are located in the brain stem but pneumotaxic center is present in pons.