Question

If there is damage to the medulla oblongata, which of the following functions will likely be altered?
A. The organism will not be able to breathe properly.
B. The organism will not have control over its body temperature.
C. The organism will have memory loss.
D. The organism will lack muscular coordination.
E. The organism will be unable to regulate thirst.

Answer 1

The brain is that the major and controlling centre of the body that instructs and guides all the body parts that must be shielded from any injury and shocks and thus, it is roofed in bony coverings.

Complete answer: The brain may be termed as a delicate organ which must be protected against injuries and shocks. The hard covering over the fragile organs helps in preventing any direct shock or injury to the organ. The brain, i.e., the master organ of the body is protected by the hard bony covering called the skull or cranium and also it has three thin membranes referred to as meninges. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is present between these meninges and the brain which helps in the protection of the brain. The cerebrospinal fluid also plays an important role in providing nutrition to the brain and also removes wastes from the brain.
a) The medulla oblongata plays a vital role in regulating respiration, heartbeat and vomiting reflex. Maintaining the body balance is not a role of the medulla oblongata. The medulla oblongata (or medulla) is a constitution of the brainstem present on the hindbrain. The other regions of the brainstem are termed as pons and midbrain. This helps to link the brain with the spinal cord. This part of the brain is required for regulating the vital and involuntary functions of the body, for instance, breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, swallowing, digestion, sneezing and transferring of messages from the brain to the spinal cord.
Hence, the correct answer is option A.

Additional information: The brain consists of three parts:
a) Forebrain which is the foremost part of the brain that controls all actions done voluntarily by the body.
b) Midbrain - It is present between the forebrain and the hindbrain and regulates involuntary actions of the body.
c) Hindbrain - It is the last part of the brain which further continues to the spinal cord. Its three different regions are pons, medulla and cerebellum. It also controls involuntary actions like salivation, vomiting sensation, etc.

Note: The brain and the spinal both are associated with each other. The spinal cord is present below the brain that extends to the backbone or vertebral column (covering), and are involved with the control and regulation of reflex actions.