Spinal cord injuries that involve damage to the medulla tend to be fatal because with an impaired medulla:
A) people no longer have an appetite and are therefore not motivated to eat.
B) people cannot remember basic safety guidelines and subsequently injure themselves.
C) balance is compromised and people are likely to fall on their heads.
D) involuntary reflexes such as breathing are affected.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The medulla oblongata is responsible for controlling many vital functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure regulation. If the medulla is damaged, these functions can be affected, which can lead to fatal outcomes, particularly with regard to breathing. Therefore, option D is the correct choice. Options A, B, and C are not directly related to medulla damage.

Spinal Cord Injuries That Involve Damage to the Medulla Tend