which part of the brain is responsible for regulating breathing and heart rate
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HESI A2

Anatomy HESI A2 Practice Test

1. Which part of the brain is responsible for regulating breathing and heart rate?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the Medulla oblongata. This structure, located in the brainstem, plays a crucial role in regulating essential functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. It serves as a control center for autonomic functions necessary for maintaining life. The Cerebrum (Choice A) is mainly responsible for higher brain functions such as thinking and voluntary movements, not for regulating basic physiological processes like breathing and heart rate. The Cerebellum (Choice C) is involved in coordination, balance, and muscle control, but not in regulating breathing and heart rate. The Hypothalamus (Choice D) plays a role in regulating body temperature, hunger, and thirst, but it is not primarily responsible for controlling breathing and heart rate.

2. What is the function of the pituitary gland?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The pituitary gland, known as the 'master gland,' plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes by secreting hormones that control other endocrine glands. This includes the regulation of metabolism, growth, reproduction, stress response, and more. Therefore, the correct function of the pituitary gland is regulating metabolism, making choice A the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as the pituitary gland is not involved in producing bile, filtering blood, or controlling muscle movement.

3. What is the normal pH of human arterial blood?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The normal pH of human arterial blood is approximately 7.4. This slightly alkaline pH is crucial for the proper functioning of enzymes and biochemical processes in the body. Any significant deviation from this pH level can result in serious health issues such as acidosis or alkalosis. Choice A (6.8) is incorrect as it is lower than the normal pH of arterial blood, indicating acidity. Choice C (7.9) and Choice D (8.2) are incorrect as they are higher than the normal pH of arterial blood, indicating alkalinity.

4. Which part of the brain is responsible for regulating involuntary functions such as breathing and heart rate?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The medulla oblongata, located in the brain stem, is responsible for regulating involuntary functions such as breathing and heart rate. It contains vital centers that control these essential functions to maintain life. The cerebrum is primarily involved in higher brain functions like thinking and voluntary movements; the cerebellum plays a crucial role in coordinating movement and balance; and the frontal lobe is responsible for functions such as decision-making, problem-solving, and voluntary muscle movements. Therefore, the correct answer is the medulla oblongata (Choice C).

5. Which type of muscle is under voluntary control?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Skeletal muscle. Skeletal muscle is under voluntary control, allowing individuals to consciously regulate its contractions for movement. Examples of skeletal muscle control include actions like walking, running, and lifting weights. Smooth muscle (choice A) and cardiac muscle (choice B) are both involuntary muscles, meaning they are not under conscious control. While skeletal muscle is striated (choice D), striated muscle is a broader category that includes both voluntary (skeletal) and involuntary (cardiac) muscles.

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