Which part of the brain is responsible for controlling involuntary actions like breathing and heart rate?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the Medulla oblongata. This region of the brain is located in the brainstem and is responsible for controlling vital autonomic functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. The Cerebellum (Choice A) is primarily involved in coordination and balance. The Cerebrum (Choice C) is responsible for higher brain functions like thinking and voluntary muscle movement. The Thalamus (Choice D) acts as a relay station for sensory information but is not primarily responsible for controlling involuntary actions like breathing and heart rate.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is the sympathetic nervous system. It controls the 'fight or flight' response by preparing the body for stressful situations. The central nervous system (Choice A) consists of the brain and spinal cord but does not directly control the 'fight or flight' response. The peripheral nervous system (Choice B) includes nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, while the autonomic nervous system (Choice C) regulates involuntary bodily functions but is not specific to the 'fight or flight' response.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Platelets play a crucial role in blood clotting by forming clots to help stop bleeding. While red blood cells transport oxygen, white blood cells fight infection, and immune cells produce antibodies, platelets specifically function to prevent excessive bleeding by forming clots. Therefore, the correct answer is D. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they describe functions of other components of the blood, not platelets.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The main function of the large intestine is to absorb water and form feces from waste material. Choice A is incorrect because the absorption of proteins primarily occurs in the small intestine. Choice C is incorrect as the production of enzymes for digestion mainly takes place in the pancreas and small intestine. Choice D is incorrect as the storage of fat is not a primary function of the large intestine.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.