The _______________ is a structure in the brain stem responsible for life-sustaining functions, such as breathing and heart rate

A) reticular formation
B) pons
C) medulla
D) cingulate gyrus

Answer: C
Rationale: Nerve cells in the medulla connect with the body to perform basic functions such as breathing, heart rate, sneezing, salivating, and even throwing up—all those actions your body does with little conscious control on your part.