Which hindbrain structure controls swallowing, breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, vomiting, saliva, coughing and sneezing?

• A. Medulla
• B. Cerebellum
• C. Pons
• D. Thalamus

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that life-sustaining automatic functions and many reflexes are governed by the medulla oblongata, the lower part of the brainstem. The medulla houses the centers that regulate breathing and heart rate, and it contains the vomiting center as well as nuclei involved in swallowing, coughing, and sneezing. It also influences saliva production through autonomic pathways. Because these processes are automatic and essential for survival, they’re managed in the hindbrain by the medulla rather than by higher brain areas. The cerebellum is mainly for coordination, the pons modulates respiration and serves as a bridge, and the thalamus relays sensory information, not the primary autonomic control centers.