Question

Where is the pneumotaxic center located?

1) cerebral cortex
2) pons
3) spinal cord
4) medulla oblongata

Answer 1

The pneumotaxic center, responsible for inhibiting neurons in the DRG to control the breathing rate, is located in the pons of the brain.

Step-by-step explanation:

The pneumotaxic center is one of the key components of the pontine respiratory group, which is located in the pons of the brain. This center plays a critical role in the regulation of breathing by inhibiting the activity of neurons in the dorsal respiratory group (DRG), thus controlling the rate of breathing and allowing relaxation after inspiration. The pons, where the pneumotaxic center is found, is neither the cerebral cortex, spinal cord, nor medulla oblongata, making option 2) pons the correct answer to the location of the pneumotaxic center.