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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements about the dorsal and ventral respiratory groups is most correct?
A
The dorsal respiratory group primarily controls inspiration, while the ventral respiratory group is mainly active during forced breathing.
B
The dorsal respiratory group controls expiration, and the ventral group controls inspiration.
C
The ventral respiratory group is responsible for normal quiet breathing, while the dorsal group is only active during exercise.
D
Both the dorsal and ventral respiratory groups are inactive during normal breathing.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the roles of the dorsal and ventral respiratory groups in the medulla oblongata, which are part of the brainstem and regulate breathing. The dorsal respiratory group (DRG) is primarily involved in controlling inspiration during normal quiet breathing, while the ventral respiratory group (VRG) is mainly active during forced breathing, such as during exercise or stress.
Step 2: Analyze the first statement: 'The dorsal respiratory group primarily controls inspiration, while the ventral respiratory group is mainly active during forced breathing.' This aligns with the physiological roles of the DRG and VRG, as the DRG controls the rhythmic firing of neurons for inspiration, and the VRG becomes active during forced breathing to control both inspiration and expiration.
Step 3: Evaluate the second statement: 'The dorsal respiratory group controls expiration, and the ventral group controls inspiration.' This is incorrect because the DRG is primarily responsible for inspiration, not expiration, and the VRG is involved in both inspiration and expiration during forced breathing.
Step 4: Assess the third statement: 'The ventral respiratory group is responsible for normal quiet breathing, while the dorsal group is only active during exercise.' This is incorrect because the DRG is responsible for normal quiet breathing, while the VRG is active during forced breathing, not quiet breathing.
Step 5: Examine the fourth statement: 'Both the dorsal and ventral respiratory groups are inactive during normal breathing.' This is incorrect because the DRG is active during normal quiet breathing, while the VRG is inactive unless forced breathing is required.