Question 1

Evidence points to the limbic system as playing a role in the modulation of behavior resulting from environmental input that is perceived to be threatening.

Accepted Answer

The limbic system, which includes structures such as the amygdala and hippocampus, is involved in processing emotions and memory. It plays a key role in how we respond to environmental stimuli that are perceived as threatening, by modulating our behavior in response to these stimuli, often through the activation of the fight-or-flight response.

Question 2

An individual's environments contribute to how one modulates behavior through the use of sensation; thus, sensory modulation is unique to each person.

Accepted Answer

Sensory modulation is influenced by individual differences in how one perceives and responds to sensory information from the environment, making it unique to each person.

Question 3

The cingulate gyrus is primarily responsible for cortical activation or arousal.

Accepted Answer

Arousal is the function of the reticular formation.

Question 4

When the body's anxiety system is activated, avoidance behaviors frequently occur.

Accepted Answer

When the body's anxiety system is activated, it often triggers a fight-or-flight response, leading individuals to avoid situations that they perceive as threatening or anxiety-inducing, hence resulting in avoidance behaviors.

Question 5

Sensory modulation disorders (SMDs) are always found in conjunction with primary disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Accepted Answer

SMD has been documented in children without other diagnoses.

Question 6

Aversive responses to movement are always observed during movement or immediately after movement ceases.

Accepted Answer

Although aversive responses may be observed during or directly after movement, responses may also manifest several hours later after the person has interpreted the sensory input.

Question 7

Evidence suggests that deep pressure input may modulate transmission of pain signals to the central nervous system (CNS).

Accepted Answer

Deep pressure input can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which may help in reducing the transmission of pain signals to the central nervous system by increasing the release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters that can inhibit pain signals.

Question 8

Tactile defensiveness is synonymous with poor tactile discrimination.

Accepted Answer

Tactile defensiveness is distinguishable from poor tactile discrimination.

Question 9

Children with typical sensory modulation abilities may engage in sensation seeking behaviors (e.g., repeating movement pattern several times).

Accepted Answer

Young children often repeat enjoyable movement patterns; however, they would still be able to move onto something else or disengage from the behavior.

Question 10

Anxiety has been strongly linked with sensory under-responsivity in research with children.

Accepted Answer

Anxiety has been lined with sensory over-responsivity in research with children.

Question 11

Which sensory processing pattern, as outlined in Dunn's model, is correctly described below?

Accepted Answer

C) Seeking/Seeker: High neurological threshold, active self-regulation is correctly described according to Dunn's model. This pattern involves individuals actively seeking sensory experiences due to their high threshold for sensory input.

Question 12

According to Dunn's conceptual model, which is the most appropriate term to describe a person who requires significant input to get going and who responds less than others to available sensation?

Accepted Answer

Bystander is the most appropriate term according to Dunn's conceptual model for a person who requires significant input to get going and who responds less than others to available sensation. This model categorizes individuals based on their sensory processing sensitivity and their behavioral responses.

Question 13

The limbic system does NOT play an essential role in which of the following functions?

Accepted Answer

The limbic system is primarily involved in learning and memory, motivation and expression of emotion, and aggression. It is not directly involved in visual processing, which is primarily the function of the occipital lobe and related visual pathways in the brain.

Question 14

Royeen and Lane proposed that the limbic system's involvement with sensory modulation provides explanations for all of the following EXCEPT _____________.

Accepted Answer

Royeen and Lane's proposal about the limbic system's involvement with sensory modulation does not specifically explain difficulties with praxis because of an underdeveloped body scheme. Praxis and body scheme development are more directly related to sensory integration processes rather than the limbic system's role in sensory modulation.

Question 15

The limbic system includes which combination of structures?

Accepted Answer

The limbic system is involved in emotion, memory, and motivation, and includes the amygdala, hippocampus, cingulate gyrus, septum, fornix, and mammillary bodies.

Question 16

Research on valence and arousal suggests that the strongest emotional response will be generated with ____________.

Accepted Answer

Highly arousing sensory input that is perceived as strongly positive generates the strongest emotional response because it activates both the sympathetic nervous system and the reward pathways in the brain.

Question 17

You are an occupational therapist working with a child with sensory over-responsivity. The clinic is very busy and the child appears withdrawn. The best course of action to take is ____________________.

Accepted Answer

Reducing novel stimuli and decreasing the intensity of input can help a child with sensory over-responsivity feel more comfortable and less overwhelmed in a busy clinic environment. This approach respects the child's current sensory processing needs and promotes a sense of safety and calm.

Question 18

Which of the following neurotransmitters has been most highly linked to sensory modulation disorders (SMDs), specifically higher sensitivity to environmental input?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following neurotransmitters has been...

Question 19

Which of the following patterns of sensory modulation disorder (SMD) has been associated with a decreased ability to establish or maintain intimate relationships in adulthood?

Accepted Answer

Tactile defensiveness, a subtype of sensory modulation disorder, involves an oversensitivity to touch sensations. This can lead to discomfort or avoidance of physical contact, which is a fundamental aspect of intimate relationships, potentially hindering the ability to establish or maintain such relationships in adulthood.

Question 20

Which of the following patterns of stress responsivity is NOT associated with sensory over-responsivity?

Accepted Answer

Heightened parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) activity, which increases blood flow to the gut, is not typically associated with sensory over-responsivity. Sensory over-responsivity is more commonly linked with elevated stress responses such as increased HPA axis activity, heightened SNS activity, and central release of norepinephrine, which are involved in the body's fight or flight response and increased vigilance, rather than the rest-and-digest functions of the PNS.

Quiz 6: Sensory Modulation Functions and Disorders