Final answer:
The respiratory center is located in the medulla oblongata and the pontine respiratory group of the pons in the brain. These centers regulate breathing rhythm, depth, and overall rate.
Step-by-step explanation:
The respiratory center is housed in the medulla oblongata and the pontine respiratory group of the pons within the brain. The medulla oblongata contains the dorsal respiratory group (DRG) and the ventral respiratory group (VRG), which are involved in maintaining the breathing rhythm and forced breathing. The pontine respiratory group consists of the apneustic and pneumotaxic centers, which control the depth and overall rate of inspiration and expiration.