The part of the brain that controls life-sustaining functions, such as heartbeat, breathing, and swallowing, is the

• A. cerebral cortex.
• B. cerebellum.
• C. medulla.
• D. hippocampus.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key life-sustaining functions mentioned in the problem: heartbeat, breathing, and swallowing.
2. Understand that these functions are involuntary and essential for survival, indicating they are controlled by a part of the brain responsible for autonomic processes.
3. Review the roles of the brain structures listed: the cerebral cortex is involved in higher-order functions like thought and action, the cerebellum coordinates voluntary movements and balance, the hippocampus is crucial for memory formation, and the medulla regulates autonomic functions.
4. Recognize that the medulla oblongata, part of the brainstem, is specifically responsible for controlling autonomic functions such as heartbeat, breathing, and swallowing.
5. Conclude that the medulla is the correct answer, as it aligns with the functions described in the problem.