The respiratory centre is located in

The correct answer is Medulla and Pons.

Explanation:

• The respiratory center is a group of interconnected neurons located in the brainstem, specifically in the medulla oblongata and pons. It is responsible for regulating the rate and depth of breathing to ensure proper oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange in the body.
• Breathing is an involuntary process controlled by the autonomic nervous system, although it can be consciously overridden for short periods.
• Two key centers involved in this regulation are the respiratory rhythm center and the pneumotaxic center.
• The respiratory rhythm center, located in the medulla oblongata, primarily controls the basic rhythm of respiration.
• The pneumotaxic center, located in the pons, modulates the activity of the respiratory rhythm center.
• The respiratory center works by receiving input from chemoreceptors, stretch receptors in the lungs, and higher brain regions to adapt breathing according to the body's needs.

Key Points Related to Medulla and Pons:

The medulla oblongata contains two major respiratory areas:

• Dorsal Respiratory Group (DRG): Primarily responsible for controlling the basic rhythm of breathing. It generates action potentials that stimulate the diaphragm and external intercostal muscles for inhalation.
• Ventral Respiratory Group (VRG): Involved in forceful breathing, such as during exercise or heavy physical activity. It stimulates accessory respiratory muscles for deeper inhalation and exhalation.

The pons contains the Pneumotaxic Center and Apneustic Center:

• Pneumotaxic Center: Helps regulate the transition between inhalation and exhalation by inhibiting the DRG. It prevents over-inflation of the lungs.
• Apneustic Center: Stimulates the DRG to promote prolonged inhalation, especially during deep breaths.

Other Options:

• Cerebrum:
  • The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain and is primarily involved in higher cognitive functions such as thinking, memory, decision-making, and voluntary movements.
• Cerebellum:
  • The cerebellum is responsible for coordinating motor movements, balance, and posture.
• Hypothalamus:
  • The hypothalamus is a part of the brain that regulates many autonomic functions such as body temperature, hunger, thirst, and emotional responses.