what is the role of the medulla oblongata in the brain
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HESI A2

HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Practice Test 2023

1. What is the function of the medulla oblongata in the brain?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: To control breathing and heart rate. The medulla oblongata is a vital part of the brainstem responsible for regulating essential functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. These functions are crucial for maintaining life, and the medulla oblongata plays a key role in ensuring the body's survival. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because regulating body temperature is primarily controlled by the hypothalamus, coordinating voluntary movements is associated with the cerebellum and motor cortex, and processing sensory information is related to the thalamus and sensory cortex, not the medulla oblongata.

2. Which is a secondary defense for the body against pathogens?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Inflammation is a secondary defense mechanism for the body against pathogens. When tissues are injured or infected, inflammation occurs as a protective response involving increased blood flow, white blood cell migration, and tissue repair. This process helps contain and eliminate pathogens, preventing them from spreading further in the body. Tears (Choice A) are a primary defense containing lysozyme and other antimicrobial agents. Urine (Choice B) is typically considered a non-specific defense mechanism due to its flushing action in the urinary tract. Mucus (Choice D) acts as a physical barrier and traps pathogens, also considered a primary defense mechanism.

3. The epidermis is classified as which of the following?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The epidermis is classified as a tissue, more specifically as a layer of cells that form the outermost part of the skin. It is composed of multiple layers of cells that protect underlying tissues and regulate various functions related to the skin. Choice A, Cell, is incorrect because the epidermis is not just a single cell but rather a collection of cells. Choice C, Organ, is incorrect because the epidermis is not an organ on its own but rather a part of an organ, the skin. Choice D, System, is incorrect because the epidermis is not a system but rather a component of the integumentary system.

4. How might an injury to the parietal lobe impact an individual?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An injury to the parietal lobe can impact an individual's perception, affecting their ability to interpret sensory information such as touch, spatial orientation, and recognizing objects. The parietal lobe is crucial for integrating sensory information and creating a coherent perception of the surrounding world. Damage to this area can lead to challenges with spatial awareness, object recognition, and accurate processing of sensory input. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because breathing, attention, and memory are primarily associated with other brain regions such as the brainstem, frontal lobe, and temporal lobe respectively, not the parietal lobe.

5. Which gland produces hormones that regulate sleep?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The pineal gland secretes melatonin, a hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin production is influenced by exposure to light, with levels increasing in the evening to promote sleep and decreasing in the morning to signal wakefulness. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the thyroid gland primarily regulates metabolism, the adrenal gland produces hormones like adrenaline and cortisol related to stress response, and the pituitary gland controls various functions by releasing different hormones but not specifically related to regulating sleep.

Similar Questions

Which organ is responsible for filtering and cleaning the blood?
Which hormone is produced by the pineal gland?
Which hormone stimulates the production of red blood cells?
When an individual is under stress, hormones are released. Which of the following is not one of the locations where hormones are released when under stress?
Which of the following is not an example of a nonspecific immune response?

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