Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Reflex centers that control adjustments and behaviors necessary for our survival are located in the:
A
cerebellum
B
medulla oblongata
C
thalamus
D
cerebral cortex
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the role of reflex centers in the body. Reflex centers are responsible for involuntary actions and behaviors that are crucial for survival, such as breathing, heart rate regulation, and digestion.
Step 2: Review the functions of the medulla oblongata. The medulla oblongata is part of the brainstem and plays a critical role in autonomic functions, including controlling vital reflexes like respiration, heart rate, and blood pressure.
Step 3: Compare the functions of the medulla oblongata with the other options provided: cerebellum, thalamus, and cerebral cortex. The cerebellum is primarily involved in motor coordination and balance, the thalamus acts as a relay station for sensory information, and the cerebral cortex is responsible for higher-order functions like thought and voluntary movement.
Step 4: Identify that the medulla oblongata is the correct answer because it is the structure directly responsible for controlling reflex centers necessary for survival.
Step 5: Reinforce the concept by noting that the medulla oblongata is part of the brainstem, which is evolutionarily one of the oldest parts of the brain and essential for maintaining basic life functions.