37th Exam (Jan 2025) Morning Q29 Kaigo Fukushishi
Question (original Japanese)
次のうち、呼吸中枢がある部位として、正しいものを1つ選びなさい。
- 1大脳
- 2中脳
- 3小脳
- 4延髄
- 5脊髄
Show answer
Correct answer 4
Key pointThe respiratory center is in the medulla oblongata.
Explanation
The respiratory center is in the medulla oblongata of the brainstem (脳幹). It senses the concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood, etc. and controls breathing, so 4 is correct. The medulla oblongata also has the cardiovascular center and the centers for swallowing and coughing.
- 1: The cerebrum handles higher functions such as thinking, sensation, and movement, so it is wrong.
- 2: The midbrain is involved in eye movement and the light reflex (対光反射), etc., so it is wrong.
- 3: The cerebellum handles adjustment of movement and balance, so it is wrong.
- 5: The spinal cord is the pathway for information between the brain and the periphery and the center of reflexes, so it is wrong.
Explanation in Japanese
呼吸中枢は脳幹の延髄にあり、血液中の二酸化炭素濃度などを感知して呼吸を調節するので4が正しい。延髄には心臓血管中枢や嚥下・咳の中枢もある。
- 1：大脳は思考・感覚・運動などの高次機能を担うので誤り。
- 2：中脳は眼球運動や対光反射などに関わるので誤り。
- 3：小脳は運動の調節や平衡機能を担うので誤り。
- 5：脊髄は脳と末梢の情報の伝導路や反射の中枢なので誤り。