Question

Injury to medulla oblongata causes sudden death mainly as ............

• A. reflex activities like swallowing, vomiting etc. stop.
• B. vital activities such as heart beat and respiration stop.
• C. secretion of cerebrospinal fluid completely stops.
• D. both anterior and posterior choroid plexuses are damaged.

Hint:

The medulla oblongata is responsible for vital functions such as heart rate and respiration. Injury to it can lead to immediate death.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the function of medulla oblongata.
The medulla oblongata is responsible for regulating vital activities like heart rate and respiration. Injury to the medulla oblongata can result in the cessation of these vital functions, leading to sudden death.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) reflex activities like swallowing, vomiting etc. stop: Incorrect — These are important functions controlled by the medulla, but the most immediate consequence of injury is the stoppage of vital functions.
(B) vital activities such as heart beat and respiration stop: Correct — Injury to the medulla oblongata directly impacts vital life-sustaining functions such as heart and respiration.
(C) secretion of cerebrospinal fluid completely stops: Incorrect — While the medulla regulates certain functions, it is not directly involved in the secretion of cerebrospinal fluid.
(D) both anterior and posterior choroid plexuses are damaged: Incorrect — This is not the direct result of medulla oblongata injury.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (B) vital activities such as heart beat and respiration stop, as injury to the medulla oblongata results in the loss of these vital functions.