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.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

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.

The Ventral Respiratory Group