Nokea
Neurologists and biological psychologists have witnessed a sharp 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 and 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. Researchers find that no amount of
poking, prodding or harassment will evoke even remotely aggressive responses from these
subjects.
The author suggests that persistent passivity and imperturbability may be a direct result of which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The passage discusses the effects of electrode stimulation on the amygdala, leading to extreme aggression or complete absence of aggression. It states that patients with trauma or damage to the amygdala show no aggression responses. The scenario of aggressive responses due to electrode stimulation and absence of aggression due to trauma aligns with the concept that activation of an electrode in a patient's amygdala can directly result in persistent passivity and imperturbability. Therefore, option D, 'Activation of a strategically implanted electrode in a patient's amygdala,' is the correct choice.