Physicians make a determination of brain death based on the degree of function of the
A)midbrain.
B)brain stem.
C)medulla oblongata.
D)cerebellum.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Physicians make a determination of brain death based on the degree of function of the brain stem. The brain stem controls basic life-sustaining functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure, and thus, brain death is determined when there is a complete and irreversible loss of brain stem function. The midbrain, medulla oblongata, and cerebellum are all parts of the brain stem, but it is the overall function of the brain stem that is the key factor in determining brain death.

Physicians Make a Determination of Brain Death Based on the Degree