Question

What are the functions of the cardiac, primary respiratory, vasomotor, swallowing, coughing, sneezing, and vomiting centers?

1) Regulating the heartbeat
2) Controlling breathing
3) Regulating blood pressure
4) Coordinating swallowing
5) Controlling coughing
6) Triggering sneezing
7) Initiating vomiting

Answer 1

The cardiac centers regulate the heartbeat, the primary respiratory centers control breathing, the vasomotor centers regulate blood pressure, the nucleus ambiguus and dorsal motor nucleus coordinate swallowing, the respiratory centers trigger coughing and sneezing, and the vomiting center initiates vomiting.

Step-by-step explanation:

The functions of the cardiac, primary respiratory, vasomotor, swallowing, coughing, sneezing, and vomiting centers are:

1. Regulating the heartbeat: The cardiac centers in the medulla oblongata regulate cardiac function and heart rate by increasing or decreasing sympathetic or parasympathetic activation.
2. Controlling breathing: The primary respiratory centers in the medulla oblongata establish the basic rhythm of breathing and control the rate and depth of inhalation and exhalation.
3. Regulating blood pressure: The vasomotor centers in the medulla oblongata regulate blood pressure by constricting or dilating blood vessels.
4. Coordinating swallowing: The nucleus ambiguus and the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve coordinate the muscles involved in swallowing.
5. Controlling coughing: The respiratory centers in the medulla oblongata trigger the reflexive action of coughing to clear the airways.
6. Triggering sneezing: The respiratory centers in the medulla oblongata initiate the reflexive action of sneezing to remove irritants from the nasal passages.
7. Initiating vomiting: The vomiting center in the medulla oblongata coordinates the reflexive action of vomiting to expel stomach contents.