Field Internship Student Data Acquisition Project. (FISDAP) Airway Practice Exam

Which part of the brain controls the rhythm of respiration?

1. Cerebrum

2. Pons

3. Medulla oblongata

4. Hypothalamus

The correct answer is: Medulla oblongata

The medulla oblongata plays a crucial role in regulating the rhythm of respiration. It contains respiratory centers that automatically and rhythmically send signals to the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, prompting inhalation and exhalation. These centers respond to various bodily signals, such as carbon dioxide levels in the blood, to adjust the respiratory rate accordingly. This automatic process is vital for maintaining homeostasis and ensuring that the body receives the appropriate amount of oxygen while effectively expelling carbon dioxide. Other parts of the brain, such as the pons, also contribute to respiratory control by modulating the rhythm established by the medulla, but the fundamental rhythmic pattern is primarily generated by the medulla oblongata. The cerebrum is involved in higher cognitive functions and does not directly control respiration, while the hypothalamus is primarily associated with regulating autonomic functions and emotions, rather than the intrinsic rhythm of breathing.