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. Which hormone is involved in the fight or flight response?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Adrenaline. Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is the hormone involved in the fight or flight response. It is released by the adrenal glands, preparing the body for action by increasing heart rate, dilating airways, and mobilizing energy stores. Choice A, Cortisol, is a hormone released in response to stress but is not directly involved in the fight or flight response. Choice C, Thyroxine, is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism and growth, not specifically associated with the fight or flight response. Choice D, Melatonin, is a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles and is not involved in the fight or flight response.

3. How many bones are found in the human skull?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Approximately 30. The human skull is composed of 22 bones that are fused together. These 22 bones consist of 8 cranial bones and 14 facial bones, totaling approximately 30 bones in total. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the human skull does not have as few as 5 bones, as many as 60 bones, or as many as 210 bones. Understanding the basic anatomy of the skull helps in identifying the correct number of bones it comprises.

4. When the pulmonary valve and aortic valves are open, where can blood flow?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When the pulmonary valve and aortic valves are open, blood can flow between the heart and the rest of the body. The pulmonary valve allows blood to flow from the right ventricle to the lungs for oxygenation, while the aortic valve permits blood to flow from the left ventricle to the rest of the body for distribution of oxygen and nutrients. This circulation pathway ensures that oxygen-rich blood is pumped to the body tissues. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because when the pulmonary valve and aortic valves are open, blood is not flowing between the ventricles, from atrium to ventricle, or between the atria; instead, it is being pumped out of the heart to the lungs and the rest of the body.

5. What type of joint is found in the elbow?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is a hinge joint. The elbow joint is a hinge joint that allows for flexion and extension movements, much like the movement of a door hinge. This type of joint permits movement in one plane, similar to the action of opening and closing a door. The other choices are incorrect: A) Ball and socket joints allow for a wide range of motion in multiple directions, such as the hip and shoulder joints. C) Pivot joints allow rotation around a single axis, like the joint at the top of the neck that allows the head to turn from side to side. D) Saddle joints are found in the thumb and have a biaxial range of motion allowing flexion, extension, adduction, abduction, and circumduction.

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