Question

Direct stimulation of neurons within the dorsal respiratory group would cause an increase in the frequency of action potential in the

Select one:
a. glossopharyngeal nerve that innervates the pharyngeal muscles.
b. intercostal nerves to external intercostals muscles.
c. vagus nerve that innervates the smooth muscle of the bronchioles.
d. intercostal nerves to internal intercostals muscles.
e. phrenic nerve that innervates the diaphragm.

Answer 1

Direct stimulation of the dorsal respiratory group (DRG) in the medulla oblongata would increase the frequency of action potentials in the phrenic nerve that innervates the diaphragm, the primary muscle involved in inspiration.

Step-by-step explanation:

The dorsal respiratory group (DRG) is a region in the medulla oblongata responsible for stimulating the contraction of respiratory muscles, primarily during normal, relaxed breathing. Direct stimulation of the DRG would lead to an increase in the frequency of action potentials in the nerves that are involved in inspiration. The DRG primarily activates the diaphragm via the phrenic nerve, as well as the external intercostal muscles via the intercostal nerves, to facilitate inspiration.

Given the options provided, the most direct effect of stimulating the DRG would be seen in the phrenic nerve that innervates the diaphragm, because the diaphragm is the primary muscle involved in inspiration. Thus, the correct answer to the question is:e. phrenic nerve that innervates the diaphragm.The phrenic nerve plays a crucial role in the involuntary act of breathing by sending signals to the diaphragm to contract, which generates negative pressure in the chest cavity, allowing air to flow into the lungs.