Medulla Oblongata
The medulla oblongata controls automatic functions like breathing and heart rate. T/F
True — these are core survival functions regulated by the medulla.
Damage to the pons would only affect swallowing, not facial movements. T/F
A: False
Why: The pons also helps control facial muscles, so both could be affected.
What is one major function of the midbrain?
a. Controlling heart rate
b. Processing visual and auditory information
c. Coordinating breathing and swallowing
d. Starting peristalsis
b) Processing visual and auditory information
The central nervous system is made up of the brain and spinal cord. T/F
Answer: True
Mr. Bresil Coaches:
-Football
-Lacrosse
-Track & Field
Lie:
-Track & Field
Which protective reflex is controlled by the medulla?
a. Blinking
b. Gag reflex
c. Sweating
d. Chewing
b) Gag reflex
Which of the following is a major job of the pons?
a. Controlling heart rate
b. Coordinating breathing with swallowing
c. Processing vision
d. Starting peristalsis
b) Coordinating breathing with swallowing
The midbrain helps you react quickly to sudden sounds or movements because it controls:
A. Reflexive responses
B. Blood pressure
C. Enzyme release
D. Sleep cycles
A. Reflexive responses
The autonomic nervous system controls voluntary actions like running and jumping. T/F
Answer: False
It controls involuntary actions like heart rate, digestion, and breathing.
Mr. Bresil:
-Studied a double major in college
-Played Football in college
-Was the coolest guy on campus in college
Lie:
-Played Football in college
The medulla helps regulate digestion by sending signals through which major nerve?
The Vagus Nerve
The pons communicates with both the cerebrum and cerebellum, helping coordinate complex body movements. T/F
Answer: True
Why: It acts as a bridge between higher thinking areas and movement‑control areas.
The midbrain is responsible for controlling heart rate and breathing. T/F
Answer: False
Those are medulla functions.
Which type of neuron carries information from the senses to the brain?
a. Motor neurons
b. Sensory neurons
c. Interneurons
d. Reflex neurons
Answer: b) Sensory neurons
Mr. Bresil Doesn't Tolerate:
-Disrespect
-Self-doubt/ Saying "I Can't"
- Video Games
Lie:
- Video Games
If the medulla is damaged, which of the following is MOST likely to be affected?
a. Memory
b. Swallowing
c. Balance
d. Vision
b) Swallowing — because the medulla coordinates swallowing and airway protection.
The pons is responsible for starting peristalsis in the digestive system. T/F
Answer: False
Why: Peristalsis is regulated by the medulla and the vagus nerve, not the pons.
The midbrain works closely with which system to help coordinate movement and sensory input?
A. Digestive system
B. Endocrine system
C. Nervous system
D. Circulatory system
c) Nervous system
Which part of the nervous system controls voluntary movement?
a. Autonomic nervous system
b. Somatic nervous system
c. Enteric nervous system
d. Parasympathetic nervous system
Answer: b) Somatic nervous system
Mr. Bresil was:
- King of The Weight Room in High School
- A starter for his Highschool Football team on Offensive and Defensive.
- The starting Point Guard for his Highschool basketball team.
Lie:
- Was The starting Point Guard for his Highschool basketball team.
A patient is unable to coordinate breathing and swallowing, causing food to enter the airway. Which part of the brain stem is most likely affected?
The medulla oblongata (though the pons assists, the medulla is the primary center for swallowing and airway protection)
A person who struggles to breathe rhythmically while speaking or eating may have damage to the pons. T/F
Answer: True
Why: The pons helps regulate breathing patterns and coordinates them with other actions.
Damage to the midbrain could make it harder for a person to react quickly to danger. T/F
Answer: True
A student steps off a curb without looking and a car suddenly honks. The student instantly jumps backward before fully realizing what happened. Which pathway BEST explains the order of neural communication in this rapid protective response?
a. Brain → spinal cord → sensory neuron → motor neuron
b. Sensory neuron → brain → motor neuron → spinal cord
c. Sensory neuron → spinal cord → motor neuron → brain
d. Motor neuron → spinal cord → sensory neuron → brain
Correct Answer: c) Sensory neuron → spinal cord → motor neuron → brain
Why:
This is a reflex. The neurons & spinal cord handles the immediate reaction first (to keep the student alive), and the brain processes what happened afterward.
Mr. Bresil's Favorite Kind of Movie:
- Horror
- Action
- Comedy
Lie:
- Horror