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

HESI A2

Anatomy HESI A2 Practice Test

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

A. Cerebrum
B. Medulla oblongata
C. Cerebellum
D. Hypothalamus

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. Which type of nutrient does not provide the body with energy?

A. Vitamin
B. Carbohydrate
C. Fat
D. Protein

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Vitamins are essential nutrients that the body needs in small amounts but do not provide energy like carbohydrates, fats, and proteins do. Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are macronutrients that supply energy to the body when broken down during metabolism. Vitamins, on the other hand, play crucial roles in various bodily functions but are not a source of energy. They are essential for supporting growth, immune function, and overall health, but do not contribute directly to energy production. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are macronutrients that provide energy to the body when metabolized.

3. The anterior chamber of the eye lies between the ___________.

A. iris and lens
B. lens and retina
C. cornea and iris
D. retina and optic nerve

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The anterior chamber of the eye is the fluid-filled space located between the cornea and the iris in the front part of the eye. It contains aqueous humor and helps maintain intraocular pressure. The space between the iris and the lens is known as the anterior chamber, making option A, 'iris and lens,' the correct choice. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not describe the correct anatomical location of the anterior chamber.

4. How do the digestive system and urinary system work together?

A. The digestive system controls the function of the ureter.
B. The urinary system removes toxins from the products of digestion.
C. The digestive system manufactures hormones that influence urination.
D. The urinary system eliminates some waste products of digestion.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the urinary system eliminates some waste products of digestion. After digestion in the digestive system, nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream, and waste products are transported to the kidneys via the urinary system to be excreted as urine. This process helps eliminate waste products generated during digestion, illustrating the coordination between the digestive and urinary systems. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Choice A is incorrect as the ureter is part of the urinary system, not controlled by the digestive system. Choice B is incorrect as the urinary system primarily removes metabolic waste, not toxins from digestion. Choice C is incorrect because the digestive system mainly aids in digestion and nutrient absorption, not hormone production affecting urination.

5. Which of the following statements best describes endocrine glands?

A. They absorb chemicals from the blood
B. They secrete chemicals into the blood
C. They filter chemicals from the blood
D. They absorb chemicals from the lymphatic system

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'They secrete chemicals into the blood.' Endocrine glands release hormones directly into the bloodstream to regulate various body functions. This process helps in maintaining homeostasis and coordinating different physiological processes within the body. Choice A is incorrect as endocrine glands do not absorb chemicals from the blood; instead, they release hormones. Choice C is incorrect as endocrine glands do not filter chemicals from the blood; they secrete hormones. Choice D is incorrect as endocrine glands do not absorb chemicals from the lymphatic system; they release hormones into the bloodstream.