Asked by Corinna Ragsdale on Jul 28, 2024

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The ventral respiratory group

A) is located in the pons.
B) stimulates the intercostal and abdominal muscles.
C) is part of the pontine respiratory group.
D) is active only in exhalation.
E) stimulates the diaphragm.

Ventral Respiratory Group

The ventral respiratory group is a cluster of neurons located in the medulla oblongata that plays a crucial role in regulating the rhythm of breathing.

Intercostal Muscles

Muscles located between the ribs that play an essential role in the mechanics of breathing.

Diaphragm

A large, dome-shaped muscle located below the lungs that plays a key role in breathing by contracting and relaxing to alter the size of the thoracic cavity.

  • Learn about the mechanisms through which the brain's respiratory centers control the breathing process.
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Zybrea KnightAug 04, 2024
Final Answer :
B
Explanation :
The ventral respiratory group (VRG) is located in the medulla oblongata, not the pons, and it plays a crucial role in stimulating the intercostal and abdominal muscles to facilitate breathing. It is not part of the pontine respiratory group, which is involved in the control of the rhythm of breathing. The VRG is active in both inhalation and exhalation, not only in exhalation. While it does stimulate muscles involved in breathing, the direct stimulation of the diaphragm is primarily the function of the phrenic nerve, which is influenced by the respiratory centers in the brainstem, including the VRG.