After rehabilitation for severe brain damage following a motor ...

[humphriesbr@me.com]

After rehabilitation for severe brain damage following a motor vehicle accident, a patient reports that her thought processes and ability to concentrate are impaired. Which area does the nurse suspect is damaged?
 
  a. Thalamus
  b. Limbic
  c. Prefrontal
  d. Occipital

Question 2

If a neuron's membrane potential is held close to the threshold potential by excitatory postsynap-tic potentials (EPSPs), the neuron is said to be:
 
  a. hyperpolarized.
  b. facilitated.
  c. integrated.
  d. inhibited.

[cclemon1]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
The prefrontal area is responsible for goal-oriented behavior (e.g., ability to concentrate), short-term or recall memory, the elaboration of thought, and inhibition of the limbic areas of the CNS. Goal-oriented behavior is not the function of the thalamus, limbic system, or occipital area.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Facilitation refers to the effect of EPSP on the plasma membrane potential. The postsynaptic neuron's plasma membrane may be inhibited, which is called hyperpolarized. When the neuron's membrane potential is held close to the threshold potential, the neuron is facilitated, not inte-grated or inhibited.