which part of the brain is responsible for regulating involuntary functions such as breathing and heart rate
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HESI A2

Anatomy HESI A2

1. 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).

2. What is the main function of the digestive system?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The main function of the digestive system is to break down food into nutrients through the process of digestion. Once the food is broken down, the nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream and utilized by the body for various functions. Choice B, regulating body temperature, is incorrect as it is the function of the body's thermoregulatory system, not the digestive system. Choice C, transporting nutrients, is incorrect as the digestive system primarily focuses on breaking down and absorbing nutrients rather than transporting them. Choice D, producing hormones, is also incorrect as hormone production is mainly carried out by endocrine glands and not the digestive system.

3. What structures are likely torn in a rotator cuff tear?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a rotator cuff tear, the most common structures torn are the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles. In severe cases, the tear may also extend to involve the surrounding ligaments. Therefore, the correct answer is A, as it accurately represents the structures that are likely to be affected in a rotator cuff tear. Choice B is incorrect as muscles are not typically torn in a rotator cuff tear. Choice C is also incorrect as ligaments are not the primary structures involved in a rotator cuff tear. Choice D is incorrect because a rotator cuff tear typically involves more than just the tendons.

4. Which structure in the brain regulates sleep and wakefulness?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The pineal gland, located in the brain, is responsible for regulating sleep and wakefulness by secreting the hormone melatonin. Melatonin plays a crucial role in controlling the sleep-wake cycle, with higher levels at night inducing sleepiness. The hypothalamus (Choice A) regulates various physiological processes but is not primarily responsible for sleep-wake cycles. The thalamus (Choice B) is involved in relaying sensory information but not specifically in regulating sleep. The cerebellum (Choice D) plays a role in coordination and motor control rather than sleep regulation.

5. The cheekbones are positioned ___________ to the nose.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The term 'lateral' refers to the direction away from the midline of the body. In this case, the cheekbones are situated to the sides of the nose, making them lateral to the nose. Therefore, 'lateral' correctly describes the position of the cheekbones in relation to the nose. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect: A. 'Anterior' means situated at or towards the front, which is not the correct description of the cheekbones in relation to the nose. B. 'Proximal' means situated nearer to the center of the body, which is not the correct description of the cheekbones' position in relation to the nose. C. 'Deep' refers to being situated further away from the surface, which is not the appropriate term to describe the cheekbones' position in relation to the nose.

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