A patient sustains a lesion in the upper pons affecting the pneumotaxic center. What pattern of breathing would most likely be observed?

• A Prolonged inspiratory gasps (apneusis) ✓
• B Complete cessation of breathing (apnea)
• C Rapid and shallow breathing
• D Irregular cluster breathing

Explanation

The pneumotaxic center in the upper pons limits inspiration by sending inhibitory signals to the apneustic center in the lower pons. If this center is lesioned, the apneustic center becomes unopposed, leading to prolonged inspiratory gasps interrupted by brief expirations, a pattern called apneusis. Apnea occurs with destruction of the medullary respiratory centers, not isolated pontine lesions affecting the pneumotaxic center.

Reference: Ganong's Review of Medical Physiology, 26th ed.

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