AP Psychology Practice Test

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Study for the AP Psychology Exam with a comprehensive quiz that includes flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question is accompanied by hints and explanations to enhance understanding. Prepare effectively for your exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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What is the primary function of the brainstem?

Coordination of movement
Processing of visual information
Regulation of heart rate and breathing
Automatic survival functions

The correct answer is: Automatic survival functions

The primary function of the brainstem is to regulate automatic survival functions, such as heart rate and breathing, which are crucial for sustaining life. The brainstem is made up of structures including the medulla oblongata, pons, and midbrain. Each of these components plays a significant role in maintaining vital functions without conscious effort. For example, the medulla oblongata is responsible for controlling the autonomic functions like heartbeat, blood pressure, and respiration. By overseeing these essential processes, the brainstem ensures that the body operates smoothly and can respond to immediate threats, thus playing a vital role in survival. This function is fundamental as it operates continuously, allowing higher cognitive functions to take place without interruption. While coordination of movement, processing of visual information, and various other brain functions are also important, they are not the primary responsibilities of the brainstem.