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Neurologists and biological psychologists have witnessed an exponentia
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16 Aug 2025, 09:20
16 Aug 2025, 09:20
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Neurologists and biological psychologists have witnessed an exponential increase in the knowledge and understanding of particular structures of the brain over the past two decades. As technology becomes ever more advanced, scientists are able to isolate the functions of even small regions of the human brain. One noteworthy discovery is the role of the amygdala in human fear and aggression. The amygdala, a small, almond-shaped conglomerate, is just one part of the limbic system. Located at the very center of the brain, the limbic system is the core of our "emotional brain"; each individual structure in the limbic system is somehow connected to an aspect of human emotion.
Scientists have found that electrode stimulation of the amygdala can elicit extreme aggressive acts. Patients or experimental subjects who experience this utter rage and fearlessness have no rational foundation for their reaction. In other words, this aggression is wholly attributable to electrode stimulation. On the other hand, patients with trauma or damage to this structure exhibit a complete absence of aggression. Typically temperamental rhesus monkeys with amygdala damage are completely imperturbable. Researchers find that no amount of poking, prodding, or harassment will evoke even remotely aggressive responses from these subjects.
Scientists have found that electrode stimulation of the amygdala can elicit extreme aggressive acts. Patients or experimental subjects who experience this utter rage and fearlessness have no rational foundation for their reaction. In other words, this aggression is wholly attributable to electrode stimulation. On the other hand, patients with trauma or damage to this structure exhibit a complete absence of aggression. Typically temperamental rhesus monkeys with amygdala damage are completely imperturbable. Researchers find that no amount of poking, prodding, or harassment will evoke even remotely aggressive responses from these subjects.
The passage is primarily concerned with
(A) emotional outcomes of amygdala damage in rhesus monkeys.
(B) technological advances that have occurred within the past two decades.
(C) scientists' recent and thorough understanding of all brain functions.
(D) the regulation of human emotion within the limbic system.
(E) the impact of technology on understanding the functions of certain brain structures.
The author suggests that persistent passivity and imperturbability may be a direct result of which of the following?
(A) drug-induced stimulation of the amygdala
(B) a stroke that resulted in severe tissue damage in the limbic system
(C) encephalitis as a result of head trauma
(D) activation of a strategically implanted electrode in a patient's amygdala
(E) damage to emotion-regulating structures in the frontal lobes
(A) emotional outcomes of amygdala damage in rhesus monkeys.
(B) technological advances that have occurred within the past two decades.
(C) scientists' recent and thorough understanding of all brain functions.
(D) the regulation of human emotion within the limbic system.
(E) the impact of technology on understanding the functions of certain brain structures.
The author suggests that persistent passivity and imperturbability may be a direct result of which of the following?
(A) drug-induced stimulation of the amygdala
(B) a stroke that resulted in severe tissue damage in the limbic system
(C) encephalitis as a result of head trauma
(D) activation of a strategically implanted electrode in a patient's amygdala
(E) damage to emotion-regulating structures in the frontal lobes
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Re: Neurologists and biological psychologists have witnessed an exponentia
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17 Aug 2025, 02:25
17 Aug 2025, 02:25
Expert Reply
Question 1: The passage is primarily concerned with
Options:
(A) emotional outcomes of amygdala damage in rhesus monkeys.
(B) technological advances that have occurred within the past two decades.
(C) scientists' recent and thorough understanding of all brain functions.
(D) the regulation of human emotion within the limbic system.
(E) the impact of technology on understanding the functions of certain brain structures.
Correct answer: E) the impact of technology on understanding the functions of certain brain structures.
Explanation:
- The passage discusses how advances in technology over the last two decades have allowed scientists to isolate the functions of small brain regions, especially the amygdala.
- While it mentions rhesus monkeys (A) and limbic system emotions (D), those points support the broader theme of technological progress enabling greater understanding.
- Option (B) is partially true but too general; the focus is on technology's impact on understanding specific brain functions, not just technology itself.
- (C) is incorrect because the passage only focuses on specific structures, not all brain functions.
Question 2: The author suggests that persistent passivity and imperturbability may be a direct result of which of the following?
Options:
(A) drug-induced stimulation of the amygdala
(B) a stroke that resulted in severe tissue damage in the limbic system
(C) encephalitis as a result of head trauma
(D) activation of a strategically implanted electrode in a patient's amygdala
(E) damage to emotion-regulating structures in the frontal lobes
Correct answer: B) a stroke that resulted in severe tissue damage in the limbic system
Explanation:
- The passage states that patients with trauma or damage to the amygdala show a complete absence of aggression and behave imperturbably.
- This trauma or damage could be interpreted as caused by stroke or injury to the limbic system (where the amygdala is located).
- (A) and (D) involve stimulation causing aggression, the opposite of passivity.
- (C) encephalitis is an infection, which is not explicitly mentioned.
- (E) damage to the frontal lobes is unrelated here, as the passage centers on limbic system and amygdala damage.
Options:
(A) emotional outcomes of amygdala damage in rhesus monkeys.
(B) technological advances that have occurred within the past two decades.
(C) scientists' recent and thorough understanding of all brain functions.
(D) the regulation of human emotion within the limbic system.
(E) the impact of technology on understanding the functions of certain brain structures.
Correct answer: E) the impact of technology on understanding the functions of certain brain structures.
Explanation:
- The passage discusses how advances in technology over the last two decades have allowed scientists to isolate the functions of small brain regions, especially the amygdala.
- While it mentions rhesus monkeys (A) and limbic system emotions (D), those points support the broader theme of technological progress enabling greater understanding.
- Option (B) is partially true but too general; the focus is on technology's impact on understanding specific brain functions, not just technology itself.
- (C) is incorrect because the passage only focuses on specific structures, not all brain functions.
Question 2: The author suggests that persistent passivity and imperturbability may be a direct result of which of the following?
Options:
(A) drug-induced stimulation of the amygdala
(B) a stroke that resulted in severe tissue damage in the limbic system
(C) encephalitis as a result of head trauma
(D) activation of a strategically implanted electrode in a patient's amygdala
(E) damage to emotion-regulating structures in the frontal lobes
Correct answer: B) a stroke that resulted in severe tissue damage in the limbic system
Explanation:
- The passage states that patients with trauma or damage to the amygdala show a complete absence of aggression and behave imperturbably.
- This trauma or damage could be interpreted as caused by stroke or injury to the limbic system (where the amygdala is located).
- (A) and (D) involve stimulation causing aggression, the opposite of passivity.
- (C) encephalitis is an infection, which is not explicitly mentioned.
- (E) damage to the frontal lobes is unrelated here, as the passage centers on limbic system and amygdala damage.
gmatclubot
Re: Neurologists and biological psychologists have witnessed an exponentia [#permalink]
17 Aug 2025, 02:25
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