[Campbell Biology P.1142] A patient suffers a severe brain injury, and doctors determine that... | Practice Question

A patient suffers a severe brain injury, and doctors determine that the medulla oblongata has sustained significant damage. Based on the text, which of the following vital functions would most likely be severely impaired?

  • A: Coordination of voluntary hand movements and balance.
  • B: Processing sensory information for learning and perception.
  • C: Regulation of breathing, heart rate, and digestion.
  • D: Control of hunger, thirst, and sexual behaviors.

Explanation

The text explicitly states that "An additional function of the medulla is the control of several automatic, homeostatic functions, including breathing, heart and blood vessel activity, swallowing, vomiting, and digestion." Therefore, damage to the medulla oblongata would most directly impact these critical life-sustaining functions.