Wisconsin CNA State Exam Vocabulary Practice

Which part of the brain is the brain stem composed of?

1. Cerebrum, pons, and midbrain.

2. Medulla oblongata, forebrain, and spinal cord.

3. Midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.

4. Cerebellum, frontal lobe, and occipital lobe.

The correct answer is: Midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.

The brain stem is primarily composed of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata. This structure is crucial for maintaining basic life functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. The midbrain plays an important role in vision and hearing, while the pons serves as a pathway for communication between different parts of the brain. The medulla oblongata is vital for regulating involuntary functions. The other options include parts of the brain that do not belong to the brain stem. For instance, the cerebrum, cerebellum, and lobes of the brain mentioned in other choices are distinct structures responsible for higher cognitive functions, balance, coordination, and sensory processing rather than the essential regulatory functions of the brain stem. Understanding the specific components of the brain stem helps clarify its critical role in sustaining life and facilitating communication between the brain and the body.