Consider the following statements about human brain :
1. The brain is responsible for regulating the heart beat.
2. It is responsible for balancing the body.
Select the correct answer using the codes

Question

Consider the following statements about human brain :
1. The brain is responsible for regulating the heart beat.
2. It is responsible for balancing the body.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Codes :

UnlockIAS · Accepted Answer

Correct — C, both statements are true. Statement 1: the medulla oblongata, part of the brainstem, houses the cardiac centre that regulates the rate of the heartbeat through the autonomic nervous system — so the brain does regulate the heartbeat (the beat itself is initiated by the heart's own SA node, but the brain controls how fast or slow it runs). Statement 2: the cerebellum, the second-largest part of the brain, maintains balance, posture and muscular coordination. Both jobs are done by parts of the brain, so both statements are correct.

Why the other options are wrong — (a) Incomplete — statement 2 is also correct, because the cerebellum controls balance and posture, so 'only 1' is wrong.  (b) Incomplete — statement 1 is also correct, because the medulla oblongata regulates the heart rate, so 'only 2' is wrong.  (d) Both statements are in fact correct (heartbeat regulation by the medulla, balance by the cerebellum), so 'neither' is wrong.

Concept: The human brain has three major divisions with distinct roles. The cerebrum governs higher functions — thought, memory and voluntary movement. The cerebellum controls balance, posture and fine motor coordination. The brainstem, especially the medulla oblongata, runs the involuntary vital functions — heartbeat, breathing, blood pressure and reflexes such as swallowing and vomiting.

State PCS 2020 Q101 — Science & Technology PYQ with Answer

State PCS 2020 Q101 — Science & Technology PYQ with Answer