Apneustic respirations are caused by damage to which brain region?

• A. Midbrain
• B. Upper Pons
• C. Medulla
• D. Cerebellum

Answer: (B)

Damage to the upper part of the pons disrupts the pneumotaxic center, which normally acts as a brake on inspiration and limits how long inhalation lasts. When this signal is lost, the inspiratory drive continues longer, creating the distinctive pattern of apneustic respirations—a prolonged inspiratory phase with a pause at full inspiration. The pontine regions specifically regulate the pattern of breathing, whereas injury to the medulla, midbrain, or cerebellum does not produce this characteristic apneusis. So, the upper pons is the region whose damage best explains apneustic breathing.