Which of the following modifies and smoothes the respiratory pattern?

A) pontine respiratory centers

B) ventral respiratory group (VRG)

C) dorsal respiratory group (DRG)

D) diencephalon

The correct answer is: A) pontine respiratory centers

The respiratory centre in the pons is responsible for generating and maintaining the rhythm of respiration. Besides this elementary function, it also has the ability to adjust respiration rhythm in c response to physiological changes. Respiratory centre consists of three major respiratory groups of neurons:

• The dorsal respiratory group (DRG) - initiates inspiration (inhalation)

• the ventral respiratory group (VRG) - responsible for exhalation

• Pontine respiratory group - includes the pneumotaxic (controls both the rate and the pattern of breathing) and apneustic centers (promotes inhalation by sending signals to dorsal group).