Exam Questions on Respiratory System Related

Review Exam Questions on Respiratory System related questions and content

The normal rate and depth of breathing is established by the ________ center(s).

  • A. apneustic
  • B. pneumotaxic
  • C. DRG and VRG
  • D. expiratory
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the Dorsal Respiratory Group (DRG) and Ventral Respiratory Group (VRG) are the centers in the brainstem responsible for controlling the rate and depth of breathing. The DRG primarily regulates inspiration, while the VRG is involved in both inspiration and expiration. The apneustic and pneumotaxic centers (choices A and B) are subregions within the pons that modulate the activity of the DRG and VRG but do not establish the baseline rate and depth of breathing. The expiratory center (choice D) is responsible for controlling only the expiratory phase of breathing and is not involved in setting the normal rate and depth of breathing.