Nursing Entrance Exam (NEX) Practice Exam

Which condition would likely NOT arise from a damaged medulla?

1. Difficulty in breathing

2. Loss of coordinated movement

3. Heart rate irregularities

4. Loss of taste sensation

The correct answer is: Loss of taste sensation

The medulla oblongata, located in the brainstem, plays a vital role in regulating several autonomic functions necessary for survival, including breathing, heart rate, and reflex actions. Damage to this area can disrupt these critical functions, leading to serious issues such as difficulty in breathing and heart rate irregularities. Difficulty in breathing occurs because the medulla contains neurons that control the rhythm and rate of respiration. Heart rate irregularities also stem from the medulla's role in cardiovascular regulation, as it oversees vital reflexes like the baroreceptor reflex that helps maintain blood pressure. Loss of coordinated movement is primarily associated with damage to other areas of the brain, particularly the cerebellum, which is responsible for coordination and balance. Therefore, while damage to the medulla can severely impact autonomic functions, loss of taste sensation is not directly related to the functions of the medulla. The sensation of taste is processed by the gustatory pathways in the brain, which involve different structures outside of the medulla, making it less likely to be affected by damage in that area.