After a mild car accident, Joel had a hard time walking in a straight line. He also began struggling with tasks like buttoning his shirt, writing, and feeding himself (often bumping his cheek or chin with his spoon). All his extremities were unharmed, and the doctors believed he had a minor brain injury. Based on this description, what structure of the hindbrain may have been damaged?
Table of contents
- 1. Introduction to Psychology1h 43m
- 2. Psychology Research2h 20m
- 3. Biological Psychology2h 41m
- 4. Sensation and Perception28m
- 5. Consciousness and Sleep32m
- 6. Learning1h 26m
- 7. Memory34m
- 8. Cognition37m
- 9. Emotion and Motivation35m
- 10. Developmental Psychology1h 20m
- 11. Personality1h 17m
- 12. Social Psychology1h 18m
- 13. Stress and Health41m
- 14. Psychological Disorders1h 27m
- 15. Treatment1h 24m
3. Biological Psychology
The Hindbrain
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
The part of the brain that controls life-sustaining functions, such as heartbeat, breathing, and swallowing, is the
A
cerebral cortex.
B
cerebellum.
C
medulla.
D
hippocampus.

1
Identify the key life-sustaining functions mentioned in the problem: heartbeat, breathing, and swallowing.
Understand that these functions are involuntary and essential for survival, indicating they are controlled by a part of the brain responsible for autonomic processes.
Review the roles of the brain structures listed: the cerebral cortex is involved in higher-order functions like thought and action, the cerebellum coordinates voluntary movements and balance, the hippocampus is crucial for memory formation, and the medulla regulates autonomic functions.
Recognize that the medulla oblongata, part of the brainstem, is specifically responsible for controlling autonomic functions such as heartbeat, breathing, and swallowing.
Conclude that the medulla is the correct answer, as it aligns with the functions described in the problem.
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