Verified Answers
A brain hemorrhage within the region of the right internal capsule results in paralysis of the
left side of the body. Explain why the left side (rather than the right side) is affected. -
Ans -Motor neurons undergo decussation (crossing over) in the medulla oblongata on
their way to the periphery.
Damage to which of these brain regions would be the most life-threatening? Explain your
answer. - Ans -The brain stem because it controls many of the body's functions that
are essential for life.
Patients with unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS) have lost awareness of self and
their environment. In many cases, there is no damage to the cerebral cortex or the brain
stem. If signal transmission to the cerebral cortex is affected, what part of the brain is most
likely to have been damaged? - Ans -The thalamus is most likely the problem because
this is the relay center for sensory information trying to reach the cerebrum.
Besides being a relay station for all sensory input, what other key role does the thalamus
play? - Ans -It helps mediate memory.
What brain structure interacts with the thalamus in directing cortical activity, and like the
cerebrum, may be affected by unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS)? - Ans -
Cerebellum
When eating or drinking something ice cold, what branch (division) of the trigeminal nerve
serving the palate receives the initial cold stimulus? - Ans -Maxillary
After a person recovers from the chickenpox, the virus can lie dormant in the dorsal root
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ganglion in multiple levels of the spinal cord and cranial nerves. Later in life, the virus can
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