The respiratory center, which controls the process of respiration, is situated in the medulla oblongata. The medulla oblongata is a part of the brainstem, located at the base of the brain, just above the spinal cord. It plays a crucial role in regulating vital functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.

- The medulla oblongata is responsible for generating the rhythmic pattern of breathing by coordinating the activity of the muscles involved in respiration, including the diaphragm and intercostal muscles.
- It contains two main groups of neurons that are involved in regulating respiration: the dorsal respiratory group (DRG) and the ventral respiratory group (VRG).
- The DRG is responsible for initiating inspiration (inhaling) by sending nerve impulses to the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, causing them to contract. This results in the expansion of the chest cavity and the intake of air into the lungs.
- The VRG is responsible for controlling both inspiration and expiration (exhaling). During normal breathing, the VRG is inactive during inspiration but becomes active during expiration, enabling the relaxation of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, leading to the expulsion of air from the lungs.
- The medulla oblongata also receives input from various chemoreceptors and mechanoreceptors located in the respiratory system. These receptors detect changes in the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH in the blood and relay this information to the respiratory center. Based on this feedback, the respiratory center adjusts the rate and depth of breathing to maintain homeostasis.
- Additionally, the medulla oblongata receives input from higher centers in the brain, such as the cerebral cortex and hypothalamus, which can influence respiratory activity during voluntary control or in response to emotional or physical stress.

In summary, the respiratory center, responsible for controlling respiration, is situated in the medulla oblongata. It regulates the rhythmic pattern of breathing by coordinating the activity of respiratory muscles and receives input from various receptors and higher brain centers to maintain optimal levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH in the body.

Respiratory center is present in medulla oblongata