Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) Practice Exam

Which part of the brain is responsible for temperature regulation?

1. Cerebellum

2. Hypothalamus

3. Medulla oblongata

4. Thalamus

The correct answer is: Hypothalamus

The hypothalamus is crucial for temperature regulation as it acts as the body's thermostat. It continuously monitors the internal temperature and compares it against a set point. When the body temperature deviates from this set point, the hypothalamus initiates appropriate physiological responses to either generate heat when the body is too cold or dissipate heat when it is too warm. This can include mechanisms such as shivering, sweating, and adjusting blood flow to the skin. The precise control of body temperature is essential for maintaining homeostasis and ensuring optimal functioning of various physiological processes. In contrast, the cerebellum is primarily involved in coordinating voluntary movements, the medulla oblongata controls essential involuntary functions like heartbeat and breathing, and the thalamus serves mainly as a relay station for sensory information. None of these structures directly engage in the regulation of body temperature as the hypothalamus does.