Question

Belinda was riding a bicycle without a helmet and was struck by a car. She hit the back of her head very hard in the fall. The physician is quite concerned because the medulla is located at the base of the skull. She explains to Belinda's parents that injury to the medulla could result in __________.

Answer 1

An injury to the medulla, located at the base of the skull, could lead to severe neurological issues or be life-threatening, showing the importance of wearing helmets to prevent traumatic brain injuries.

Step-by-step explanation:

The physician's concern about Belinda, who suffered a head injury from a bicycle accident, focuses on potential damage to her medulla. The medulla is a vital area at the base of the brain responsible for regulating many critical functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. An injury to this area could result in severe neurological impairment or life-threatening consequences. Head and traumatic brain injuries are major causes of death and disability, often resulting from falls, automobile accidents, or any impact that causes significant force to the skull. Protective gear such as helmets can mitigate the risk of these severe injuries that could lead to fractures, internal bleeding, or even damage to areas such as the medulla.