Breathing is voluntarily controlled by which part of the brain?

Breathing is primarily controlled by the cerebral cortex, which is the region of the brain responsible for higher brain functions, including voluntary actions. The cerebral cortex enables individuals to consciously control their breathing to a certain extent, such as when speaking, singing, or taking deep breaths. This voluntary control can influence the rhythm of breathing, allowing for various adaptations based on activities or emotional states.

In terms of involuntary breathing control, the brainstem plays a significant role as it manages the autonomic functions, regulating the automatic rhythms of breathing that occur without conscious effort. However, it is the cerebral cortex that gives a person the ability to override these automatic processes temporarily. Thus, while the brainstem is critical for the basic and essential rhythms of respiration, the unique feature of voluntary control is a function of the cerebral cortex.

Understanding this distinction helps clarify the relationship between the brain's different regions and their respective roles in both voluntary and involuntary actions related to breathing.