Donatella Participates in a Study and Is Asked to View

question 75

Multiple Choice

Donatella participates in a study and is asked to view a series of images that are likely to provoke strong emotion: a father caressing his newborn baby;a child crying at his mother's funeral;and a shark ferociously attacking a seal.While she views these images,a PET scan monitors her brain activity.What is the PET scan likely to show?

• A)A specialized region of the prefrontal cortex shows robust activity for all of her emotions.
• B)Separate cortical "emotion centers" respond to each of her emotions.
• C)The prototypic "emotional pattern" of activity is observed in response to all of her emotions.
• D)Distinct patterns of activity will be observed for each of her emotions.

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Definitions:

Brainstem

The lower part of the brain that connects the cerebrum with the spinal cord, responsible for regulating basic life functions such as breathing, heartbeat, and blood pressure.

Whole Brain Death

A medical and legal determination of death based on the irreversible cessation of all functions of the brain, including the brain stem.

Motor Reflexes

Involuntary movements or actions that are automatic responses to specific stimuli.

Electroencephalogram

A test that detects electrical activity in the brain using small, flat metal discs (electrodes) attached to the scalp.