Question

Based on our current understanding of respiratory physiology, where do we find the possible pacemaker neurons involved in setting the respiratory rhythm of breathing?

A) retrofacial nuclues

B) nucleus paraambiguus

C) caudal nucleus retroambiguus

D) pre-Bӧtzinger complex

Answer 1

The possible pacemaker neurons involved in setting the respiratory rhythm are found in the pre-Bötzinger complex, which is essential for respiratory rhythm generation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on our current understanding of respiratory physiology, the possible pacemaker neurons involved in setting the respiratory rhythm of breathing are found in the pre-Bötzinger complex. This complex is considered critical for the generation of the respiratory rhythm. In contrast, the medulla oblongata contains the dorsal respiratory group (DRG) and the ventral respiratory group (VRG), with the DRG maintaining a constant breathing rhythm and the VRG being involved in forced breathing. The pontine respiratory group, consisting of the apneustic and pneumotaxic centers in the pons, plays a role in modulating the activity of the medullary respiratory centers, influencing the depth and rate of breathing.