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 gland is known as the 'master gland' of the body?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The pituitary gland, often referred to as the 'master gland,' controls the release of hormones from other endocrine glands in the body. It secretes various hormones that regulate many bodily functions, making it a central and vital component of the endocrine system. The thyroid gland (Choice A) regulates metabolism, the adrenal gland (Choice B) produces hormones like adrenaline, and the pineal gland (Choice D) secretes melatonin, but none of these glands are considered the 'master gland' that controls the functions of other endocrine glands.

3. Which part of the brain is responsible for processing emotions?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the amygdala. It is a small, almond-shaped structure located within the temporal lobe of the brain. The amygdala plays a crucial role in processing emotions such as fear, anger, pleasure, and other emotional responses. It is involved in the formation of emotional memories and helps regulate emotional responses to various stimuli. The frontal lobe is mainly responsible for higher cognitive functions such as decision-making and problem-solving, not processing emotions. The parietal lobe is involved in processing sensory information and spatial awareness, while the occipital lobe is primarily responsible for processing visual information.

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

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 gland is responsible for regulating metabolism?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The thyroid gland is responsible for regulating metabolism. It produces hormones such as thyroxine, which plays a key role in influencing the body's metabolic rate. The pituitary gland is known as the 'master gland' but is not directly responsible for regulating metabolism. The adrenal gland is involved in the stress response and producing hormones like cortisol, not primarily regulating metabolism. The pineal gland produces melatonin, which regulates sleep-wake cycles, not metabolism. Therefore, the correct answer is the thyroid gland.

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