A volunteer is monitored while lying still and while standing on one leg. Activity is detected in the medulla oblongata in both situations. Activity in the cerebellum is greater while standing on one leg.
Why is this pattern expected?
Both regions control posture continuously, but the cerebellum works harder when maintaining balance is more difficult.
The medulla oblongata regulates heart rate continuously, and the cerebellum controls balance while standing.
The medulla oblongata controls balance in both situations, and the cerebellum regulates heart rate while standing.
The medulla oblongata makes the conscious decision to stand, and the cerebellum sends instructions for voluntary movement.
111 exam-style questions on Edexcel GCSE Biology 2.3 The nervous system and brain, covering 2.3.1 Structures and functions of the brain, 2.3.2 Imaging brain function with scanning, 2.3.3 Limitations in treating nervous system damage, 2.3.4 Neurones and impulse transmission, and 2.3.5 Structure and function of a reflex arc. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.