The respiratory centers in the brainstem are influenced by higher brain centers, such as the cerebral cortex. True or false?

Understand the Problem

The question is asking whether it is true or false that higher brain centers, like the cerebral cortex, influence the respiratory centers in the brainstem. The inquiry pertains to the relationship between different parts of the brain and their functions.

More Information

The respiratory centers in the brainstem, like those in the medulla and the pons, are responsible for regulating involuntary breathing. However, they are influenced by higher brain centers such as the cerebral cortex, which can exert some voluntary control over breathing, and the limbic system, which can affect breathing in response to emotions.

Tips

A common mistake is to think that breathing is purely involuntary and controlled only by the brainstem. It's important to remember that higher brain centers can exert influence, allowing for voluntary and emotional modulation of breathing.

Sources

• Forebrain control of breathing: Anatomy and potential functions - PMC - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
• Section Three: Chapter 19: Respiratory Control - sdmiramar.edu
• Brain Anatomy and How the Brain Works | Johns Hopkins Medicine - hopkinsmedicine.org