Brain Freeze "Brain Freeze" Headaches-Known to Scientists as Sphenopalatine Ganglioneuralgia -Are Most

question 61

Multiple Choice

Brain Freeze
"Brain Freeze" headaches-known to scientists as sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia -are most often triggered when cold food or drink comes into contact with the roof of your mouth. In order to discover more about this phenomenon, researchers at Harvard Medical School hooked volunteers up to trans-cranial Dopplers, machines that allow scientists to study blood flow in the brain. The volunteers were then given cups of ice water and instructed to drink it using a straw held right up against the roof of the mouth. The volunteer gave a signal when he or she felt a "brain freeze" headache begin and another signal when it ended.
This experiment allowed the scientists to observe changes in brain blood flow before, during, and after a "brain freeze" headache. The scientists found that when the subjects were experiencing a "brain freeze", the anterior cerebral artery (a major blood vessel in the brain) dilated rapidly. Because the artery becomes wider, more blood flows into the brain. This creates an increase in pressure inside the skull, which is what causes the pain. As soon as the artery shrinks to its normal size, the "brain freeze" headache disappears.
This may explain why "brain freeze" headaches hurt, but it does not tell us why they happen in the first place. Scientists do not yet have any definite answers to this question, but they do have some ideas. One theory suggested by the researchers at Harvard Medical School is that a brain freeze is a way of protecting the brain from cold. When the anterior cerebral artery dilates, it allows a flood of warm blood inside the brain, thus keeping it warm.
What is the main purpose of this passage?

• A)To inform the reader of the functions of the anterior cerebral artery.
• B)To inform the reader of a study done by Harvard Medical School.
• C)To inform the reader of the scientific process behind brain freeze.
• D)To inform the reader of the lack of current evidence regarding brain freeze.

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Definitions:

Experiment

A scientific procedure undertaken to make a discovery, test a hypothesis, or demonstrate a known fact, typically involving the manipulation of variables under controlled conditions.

Random Sample

A selection method where every member of a population has an equal chance of being included in the sample, decreasing bias in data collection.

Scientific

Relating to or based on the systematic and empirical study of the natural world through observation and experiment.

Sexual Behaviors

Actions or practices related to the pursuit of sexual pleasure or reproduction.