Neural control of respiration

Question 1

What is the pneumotaxic centre in the brainstem responsible for?

Answer 1

Terminating inspiration

Question 2

What is the apneuistic centre in the brainstem responsible for?

Answer 2

Prolonging inspiration

Question 3

Where in the brainstem is the pre-botzinger complex located and what is its role?

Answer 3

Medulla

It is the major rhythm generator for breathing

Question 4

What are the two types of neurons located in the medulla which are involved in inspiration and expiration

Answer 4

Ventral Neurons

Dorsal Neurons

Question 5

Describe how normal inspiration is controlled and state whether it is an active or passive process

Answer 5

Active process

Controlled by the FIRING of DORSAL neurons within the medulla

Question 6

Describe how normal expiration is controlled and state whether it is an active or passive process

Answer 6

Passive process

controlled by the GAPS in firing of DORSAL neurons within the medulla

Question 7

Describe how forceful expiration is controlled and state whether it is an active or passive process

Answer 7

Active process

Controlled by the FIRING of VENTRAL neurons within the medulla