A driver suspected of intoxication fails the finger-to-nose field sobriety test because alcohol initially depresses the:
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Answer: C. cerebellum
Explanation
Alcohol impairs motor coordination and balance by depressing activity in the cerebellum. The cerebellum coordinates voluntary movements and postural stability in humans. Failing a finger to nose test indicates cerebellar dysfunction caused by intoxication. The cerebellum contains over half of all neurons in the entire human brain. Alcohol acts as a central nervous system depressant affecting multiple brain structures. Ataxia is the loss of full control of bodily movements resulting from cerebellar impairment.
Law enforcement officers use field sobriety tests to assess functional cerebellar impairment. Neurological exams check balance and coordination to detect potential cerebellar damage. Severe alcohol poisoning can spread depression to the medulla threatening vital breathing functions. The hypothalamus regulates basic drives like hunger and thirst rather than motor balance. The corpus callosum connects the two cerebral hemispheres to facilitate interhemispheric communication. The medulla controls autonomic life support functions like heart rate and respiration.
- Subject
- Psychology
- Category
- Psychology
- Topic
- —
- Difficulty
- medium
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