What part of the brain controls respiration?

The medulla oblongata plays a crucial role in the regulation of respiration. It is located in the brainstem and is responsible for automatic functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. The medulla contains specialized neurons that monitor the levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood, adjusting the rate and depth of breathing accordingly. This ensures that the body maintains proper gas exchange and homeostasis.

In contrast, the cerebellum primarily coordinates voluntary movements and is involved in balance and motor control rather than autonomic functions like respiration. The cerebrum controls higher brain functions such as thought, learning, and voluntary muscle movement, while the thalamus acts as a relay station for sensory information but does not have a direct role in controlling respiratory functions. Understanding these specific functions of different brain regions clarifies why the medulla oblongata is the critical center for respiratory control.