Final answer:
The medulla oblongata in the brainstem controls blood pressure and heart rate through the cardiovascular center. The correct answer is option d).
Step-by-step explanation:
The medulla oblongata is one of the key components of the brainstem and plays a crucial role in autonomic functions in the body. Among its many responsibilities, the medulla oblongata is essential for controlling blood pressure and heart rate.
The cardiovascular center within the medulla contains nuclei that manage the smooth and cardiac muscles, predominantly through autonomic connections. This allows for the regulation of cardiovascular homeostasis, including adjustments to blood pressure changes and the sympathetic nervous system's response to stress.
Additionally, the medulla oblongata assists in generating and maintaining the breathing rhythm, integrating sensory data from stretch and chemoreceptors, and influencing voluntary breathing. While it does play a role in relaying motor and sensory information from the brain to various parts of the body.