If the dorsal respiratory group of neurons in the medulla oblongata were destroyed bilaterally,
A) a person would stop breathing.
B) pulmonary ventilation would increase markedly.
C) the respiratory minute volume would increase.
D) tidal volumes would decrease.
E) alveolar ventilation would increase.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The dorsal respiratory group (DRG) is responsible for initiating and regulating inspiration. If it were destroyed bilaterally, a person would stop breathing as there would be no signal for the diaphragm and other inspiratory muscles to contract. None of the other options are correct as they would require some level of respiratory activity to be occurring.

If the Dorsal Respiratory Group of Neurons in the Medulla