Question

chapter 13 homeostatic imbalance question 2
1 part | -- of 1 point

2 tries left

hiccups could occur if there was irritation or damage to the ______.

○ dorsal rami of spinal nerves associated with the $c_3$-$c_5$ region of the spinal cord
○ motor branches of ventral rami associated with the $c_3$-$c_5$ region of the spinal cord
○ afferent neurons of spinal nerves associated with the $c_3$-$c_5$ region of the spinal cord
○ cutaneous branches of rami associated with the $c_3$-$c_5$ region of the spinal cord

Explanation:

Hiccups involve the contraction of the diaphragm, which is controlled by motor neurons. The ventral rami of spinal nerves (specifically \( C_3 - C_5 \)) have motor branches that innervate the diaphragm. Irritation or damage to these motor branches can disrupt the normal control of the diaphragm, leading to hiccups. Dorsal rami are more for posterior body muscles/skin, afferent neurons are sensory, and cutaneous branches are for skin sensation—none directly control the diaphragm's motor function for hiccups.

Answer:

B. motor branches of ventral rami associated with the \( C_3 - C_5 \) region of the spinal cord