which part of the brain controls involuntary actions such as breathing and heart rate
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HESI A2

HESI A2 Anatomy and Physiology Quizlet

1. Which part of the brain controls involuntary actions such as breathing and heart rate?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The medulla oblongata, located at the base of the brainstem, controls essential involuntary actions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. It plays a crucial role in maintaining vital functions necessary for survival. The cerebrum is responsible for voluntary actions, conscious thought, and sensory processing, making it an incorrect choice. The cerebellum primarily coordinates movement, balance, and posture, not involuntary actions like breathing and heart rate. The hypothalamus regulates body temperature, thirst, hunger, and controls the endocrine system, but it is not directly responsible for controlling breathing and heart rate.

2. What is the role of the gallbladder in digestion?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The gallbladder's primary function in digestion is to store and concentrate bile produced by the liver. Bile is essential for the digestion and absorption of fats in the small intestine. While the gallbladder does not produce bile (Choice A) or secrete digestive enzymes (Choice D), it plays a crucial role in storing and releasing bile when needed. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

3. When are gallstones most problematic?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Gallstones become most problematic when they block a duct, such as the bile duct or cystic duct. This blockage can lead to various complications, including inflammation, infection, and even damage to the gallbladder or liver. In severe cases, a blocked duct can cause intense pain, jaundice, and other serious symptoms that require medical intervention. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the presence of cholesterol or bilirubin in gallstones or the process of dissolution do not necessarily indicate when gallstones become most problematic. The critical issue arises when the stones obstruct a duct, leading to complications.

4. Which hormone is produced by the adrenal medulla?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is the correct hormone produced by the adrenal medulla. It plays a crucial role in the body's fight-or-flight response, increasing heart rate, dilating airways, and mobilizing energy stores to prepare the body for perceived threats. Insulin (Choice A) is produced by the pancreas and regulates blood sugar levels, not by the adrenal medulla. Cortisol (Choice C) is produced by the adrenal cortex and is involved in regulating metabolism, immune response, and stress. Melatonin (Choice D) is produced by the pineal gland and regulates the sleep-wake cycle.

5. What is the first step in pulmonary circulation?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: The pulmonary artery carries blood from the heart to the lungs. The first step in pulmonary circulation involves the right ventricle of the heart pumping deoxygenated blood into the pulmonary artery. The pulmonary artery then carries this deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs for oxygenation. This step is crucial for the exchange of carbon dioxide for oxygen to occur in the lungs, facilitating the oxygenation of blood. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not represent the initial step in pulmonary circulation. Option A refers to blood moving away from the heart, option C describes the gas exchange process that occurs in the lungs but not as the first step, and option D mentions oxygenated blood moving through the aorta, which happens after oxygenation in the lungs.

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