Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

Which part of the central nervous system is primarily responsible for regulating blood pressure, respiration, and pulse?

1. Cerebellum

2. Cerebrum

3. Medulla oblongata

4. Pons

The correct answer is: Medulla oblongata

The medulla oblongata is the part of the central nervous system primarily responsible for regulating essential autonomic functions, including blood pressure, respiration, and pulse. Located in the brainstem, the medulla oblongata contains vital centers that monitor and adjust these functions to maintain homeostasis. For example, it houses the cardiovascular center, which modulates heart rate and blood vessel diameter in response to the body's needs, and the respiratory center, which controls the rate and depth of breathing based on carbon dioxide and oxygen levels in the blood. Other parts of the central nervous system, such as the cerebellum, cerebrum, and pons, have important roles but are not primarily responsible for the regulation of these vital functions. The cerebellum is mainly involved in motor control and coordination, the cerebrum handles higher cognitive functions and sensory data processing, and the pons acts as a relay center between different parts of the brain, whose main functions are linked to sleep and respiration. Thus, the medulla oblongata stands out as the critical center for autonomic regulation.