AP PSYCHOLOGY

BIOLOGICAL BASES OF BEHAVIOR

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
Severing a cat’s reticular formation from higher brain regions causes the cat to
A
become violently aggressive.
B
cower in fear.
C
experience convulsive seizures.
D
lapse into a coma.
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -Damage of the reticular formation results in prolonged sleep or inactivity. The neurotransmitter, norepinephrine, is utilized by this activating region. The ARAS receives input from the cranial nerves and all sensory systems.

Detailed explanation-2: -When electrical stimulation is applied to the reticular formation of an animal, it immediately becomes fully awake, and when the reticular formation is severed from the higher brain regions, the animal falls into a deep coma.

Detailed explanation-3: -The reticular activating system is the part of the brain that maintains the sleep/wake cycle. Any damage to this region can cause hypersomnolence and drowsiness along with altered sensorium.

Detailed explanation-4: -The reticular formation is a complex network of brainstem nuclei and neurons that serve as a major integration and relay center for many vital brain systems to coordinate functions necessary for survival.

There is 1 question to complete.