The main muscle responsible for pulmonary ventilation is?.

Choice A rationale:

The glottis is the space between the vocal cords and does not direct food and liquids into the esophagus during swallowing.

Choice B rationale:

The Adam’s apple, also known as the thyroid cartilage, is a structure in the neck and does not direct food and liquids into the esophagus during swallowing.

Choice C rationale:

The conchae are structures in the nasal cavity and do not direct food and liquids into the esophagus during swallowing.

Choice D rationale:

The epiglottis is responsible for directing food and liquids into the esophagus during swallowing. It acts as a lid over the windpipe, preventing food from entering the lungs.

Answer and explanation

The correct answer is Choice C.

Choice A rationale:

Baroreceptors are sensors located in the blood vessels that detect changes in blood pressure. However, they do not coordinate blood pressure control. They send signals to the brain about blood pressure changes, and the brain coordinates the response.

Choice B rationale:

The brainstem is a part of the brain that connects the cerebrum with the spinal cord. It contains structures that are involved in many vital body functions, including breathing and heart rate regulation. However, it is not the primary structure that coordinates blood pressure control.

Choice C rationale:

The medulla oblongata, a part of the brainstem, contains the cardiovascular centers that coordinate the regulation of heart rate and blood pressure.

Choice D rationale:

The thalamus is a part of the brain that is primarily involved in processing sensory information and regulating consciousness, sleep, and alertness. It does not coordinate blood pressure control.