The Question is from neet-zoology breathing-and-exchange-of-gases regulation-of-respiration, and it was created by the author T SAILAJA

Question

A patient presents with abnormally low blood pH and elevated $P_{CO_2}$ levels.  Damage to which of the following areas of the brain is MOST likely responsible for this condition?

T SAILAJA · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: B
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Respiratory control and acid-base balance
 **Related Topics**: Brainstem function, respiratory centers, pH regulation, carbon dioxide transport
 **Prerequisites**: Understanding of respiratory physiology, acid-base chemistry, and brain anatomy.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  Low blood pH (acidemia)
  Elevated $P_{CO_2}$ (hypercapnia)
  Damage to a brain area is responsible.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Analyze the physiological relationship between $P_{CO_2}$ and blood pH.
  Reasoning: Carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) reacts with water ($H_2O$) in the blood to form carbonic acid ($H_2CO_3$), which dissociates into bicarbonate ions ($HCO_3^−$) and hydrogen ions ($H^+$).  Elevated $CO_2$ leads to increased $H^+$, thus lowering blood pH.
  Formula/Rule: $CO_2 + H_2O ightleftharpoons H_2CO_3 ightleftharpoons H^+ + HCO_3^−$
 2. Identify the brain region responsible for regulating respiration and thus $CO_2$ levels.
  Working: The medulla oblongata contains the respiratory centers that control breathing rate and depth.  Damage to these centers can lead to hypoventilation (decreased breathing), causing $CO_2$ to accumulate in the blood (hypercapnia) and resulting in respiratory acidosis (low blood pH).
  Key Point:  The medulla oblongata's respiratory centers are crucial for maintaining normal blood $P_{CO_2}$ and pH.
 3. Determine which option matches the identified brain region.
  Result: Medulla Oblongata
  Verification: The symptoms (low pH, high $P_{CO_2}$) are consistent with impaired respiratory function, directly linked to medulla oblongata damage.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
[A] :x: Cerebellum: The cerebellum is primarily involved in coordination, balance, and motor control. Damage to the cerebellum would not directly cause respiratory acidosis.
[B] ✓: Medulla Oblongata: The medulla oblongata houses the respiratory centers that regulate breathing and consequently, blood $CO_2$ and pH levels. Damage here would directly lead to the observed condition.
[C] :x: Hypothalamus: The hypothalamus regulates many body functions, including temperature and thirst, but not directly respiratory control in this context.
[D] :x: Cerebral Cortex: The cerebral cortex is responsible for higher-level cognitive functions; damage here would not directly result in the observed respiratory changes.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1. Confusing the roles of different brain regions:  Understanding the specific functions of the cerebellum, medulla, hypothalamus, and cerebral cortex is crucial.
  2. Failing to connect hypercapnia to respiratory acidosis: It's essential to grasp the chemical relationship between $CO_2$ and blood pH.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1. Remember that the medulla oblongata is the primary control center for respiration.
  2. Associate low pH and high $P_{CO_2}$ with respiratory acidosis, a condition resulting from impaired respiratory function.

T SAILAJA · Answer

Cerebellum

T SAILAJA · Answer

The correct Option is "Medulla Oblongata"

T SAILAJA · Answer

Hypothalamus

T SAILAJA · Answer

Cerebral Cortex

NEET Zoology Breathing And Exchange Of Gases Regulation Of Respiration MCQs

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