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Ch. 12 The Central Nervous System
Amerman- Human Anatomy & Physiology 3e
Amerman3rd EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780138247201, 9780138247928, 9780138201814Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksAmerman 3rd EditionCh. 12 The Central Nervous SystemProblem L3.2
Chapter 12, Problem L3.2

On further examination, Ms. Norris is shown to be in a state of unarousable unconsciousness, or coma. Which area or system of the brain is likely damaged? Explain.

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Understand the concept of coma: A coma is a state of unarousable unconsciousness where the patient cannot be awakened, does not respond to stimuli, and lacks voluntary movements. This condition is often linked to damage in specific areas of the brain responsible for consciousness and arousal.
Identify the brain structures involved in consciousness: The reticular activating system (RAS), located in the brainstem, plays a critical role in maintaining wakefulness and consciousness. Damage to this system can result in a coma.
Examine the role of the brainstem: The brainstem includes the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata. These structures house the reticular formation, which is integral to the RAS. Injury to the brainstem, particularly the reticular formation, can disrupt the signals required for arousal and consciousness.
Consider other areas of the brain: While the RAS is central to consciousness, damage to the cerebral cortex or thalamus can also contribute to a coma. The thalamus acts as a relay center for sensory information, and the cerebral cortex processes higher-order functions. Both are interconnected with the RAS.
Evaluate potential causes of damage: Common causes of coma include traumatic brain injury, stroke, brain hemorrhage, infections (e.g., meningitis or encephalitis), or metabolic disturbances (e.g., hypoglycemia or drug overdose). Understanding the underlying cause can help pinpoint the affected brain area or system.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Brainstem Function

The brainstem is crucial for regulating vital functions such as breathing, heart rate, and consciousness. Damage to this area can lead to severe impairments, including coma, as it controls the basic life-sustaining processes and the state of wakefulness.
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Reticular Activating System (RAS)

The Reticular Activating System is a network of neurons located in the brainstem that plays a key role in maintaining wakefulness and alertness. Injury to the RAS can disrupt the ability to awaken or respond to stimuli, resulting in states of unarousable unconsciousness.
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Cerebral Cortex

The cerebral cortex is the outer layer of the brain responsible for higher-order functions such as thought, perception, and voluntary movement. Damage to this area can also contribute to coma, as it is essential for consciousness and awareness of the environment.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Ms. Norris is brought to the emergency department with injuries to the posterior of her head resulting from a motor vehicle accident. Which lobes of the cerebrum likely sustained injuries? Predict the main signs and symptoms you will see resulting from the injury to these cerebral lobes.

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Textbook Question

In a diving accident, Arlene damages the left side of her upper thoracic spinal cord. On which side of the body will she lose: muscle control, tactile sensation, and pain sensation? Explain.

Textbook Question

A new diet wonder drug is designed to block the release of orexins. How might this cause weight loss? Predict the potential adverse effects that might come from blocking orexin release.

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Textbook Question

Mark the following statements about the brain as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

The right and left lateral ventricles are the largest of the ventricles in the brain and are located in the diencephalon.

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Textbook Question

Which statement about cerebral white matter is false?

a. Commissural fibers connect the right and left cerebral hemispheres.

b. Projection fibers connect the cerebral cortex of one hemisphere with structures in the other hemisphere.

c. The corpus callosum is the largest bundle of white matter in the brain.

d. Association fibers connect the gyri of the cerebral cortex with one another.

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Textbook Question

Mark the following statements about the brain as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

The cerebrum is responsible for our basic, involuntary functions and reflexes.

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