Question

All of the following are the functions of medulla oblongata except
A. Regulate respiration
B. Regulate heartbeats
C. Vomiting reflex
D. Body balance

Answer 1

Hint: The medulla oblongata is a cone-shaped mass that is present on the hindbrain. It is responsible for controlling the involuntary functions of the body. It is located anterior to the cerebellum, which is the part of the brain that coordinates voluntary movements.

Complete answer:
The medulla oblongata helps in regulating respiration, heartbeats, and vomiting reflex. Maintaining the body balance is not a function of the medulla oblongata.
The medulla oblongata (or medulla) is a part of the brainstem located on the hindbrain. The other regions of the brainstem are pons and midbrain. The medulla connects the brain with the spinal cord. This part of the brain is responsible for regulating the vital and involuntary functions of our body such as breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, swallowing, digestion, sneezing, and transferring of messages from the brain to the spinal cord.
From the given options, respiration, heartbeats, and vomit reflex are all involuntary tasks that are regulated by the medulla oblongata. On the other hand, body balance is regulated by another part of the brain known as the cerebellum. It is also a part of the hindbrain and helps in the coordination of movements.

The correct answer is option ( D ) that is Body balance.

Note: Damage to the medulla can affect the coordination between the brain and the spinal cord. It can lead to breathing problems, dysfunctioning of the tongue, loss of reflex and muscle control, and many more. Damage to the medulla due to stroke, injury, or degeneration can lead to diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Wallenberg syndrome, and many more.