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Ch. 12 The Central Nervous System
Chapter 11, Problem 22

Robert, a brilliant computer analyst, suffered a blow to his anterior skull from a falling rock while mountain climbing. Shortly thereafter, it was obvious to his coworkers that his behavior had undergone a dramatic change. Although previously a smart dresser, he was now unkempt. One morning, he was observed defecating into the wastebasket. Which region of Robert's brain was affected by the cranial blow?

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1
Identify the location of the injury: The anterior skull refers to the front part of the skull, which houses the frontal lobes of the brain.
Understand the functions of the frontal lobes: The frontal lobes are responsible for higher cognitive functions, including decision making, problem-solving, control of purposeful behaviors, consciousness, and emotions.
Connect the symptoms to the brain region: Robert's change in behavior, such as being unkempt and inappropriate actions like defecating in a wastebasket, suggests a loss of social inhibitions and decision-making abilities.
Consider the specific area within the frontal lobes: The prefrontal cortex, a part of the frontal lobes, is crucial for personality expression, social behavior, and complex cognitive behavior.
Conclude the affected region: Based on the symptoms and the location of the injury, it is likely that the prefrontal cortex of Robert's brain was affected by the cranial blow.

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Key Concepts

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

Frontal Lobe

The frontal lobe is the region of the brain located at the front, responsible for higher cognitive functions such as decision-making, impulse control, and social behavior. Damage to this area can lead to significant personality changes and inappropriate social conduct, as seen in Robert's case.
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Behavioral Changes

Behavioral changes refer to alterations in an individual's actions, demeanor, or social interactions, often resulting from neurological damage. In Robert's situation, his shift from being well-dressed to unkempt and engaging in inappropriate behaviors indicates a disruption in his executive functions, typically managed by the frontal lobe.
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Neurological Impact of Trauma

Neurological impact of trauma involves the effects that physical injuries to the brain can have on cognitive and behavioral functions. A blow to the skull can cause localized damage, leading to symptoms such as personality changes, impaired judgment, and loss of social norms, which are evident in Robert's post-injury behavior.
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