Multiple Choice Questions on Gastrointestinal Disorders Related

Review Multiple Choice Questions on Gastrointestinal Disorders related questions and content

Chewing or mastication reflex originates in the ______ and the ability to initiate or stop chewing originates in the ______.

  • A. pons; cerebrum.
  • B. medulla oblongata; cerebrum.
  • C. spinal cord; medulla oblongata.
  • D. medulla oblongata; midbrain.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The chewing reflex originates in the medulla oblongata, which controls basic life functions like breathing and swallowing. The ability to voluntarily initiate or stop chewing comes from the cerebrum, the part of the brain responsible for conscious thoughts and movements. The pons (choice A) is involved in regulating breathing, not chewing. The spinal cord (choice C) is responsible for reflex actions but not specifically chewing. The midbrain (choice D) is more related to sensory processing and motor function, not chewing reflex. Therefore, the correct answer is B based on the roles of the medulla oblongata and cerebrum in chewing.