A 20-year-old male suffers a severe closed head injury in a motor vehicle accident.He remains in a vegetative state (VS)1 month after the accident.Which of the following structures is most likely keeping him in a vegetative state?
A) Cerebral cortex
B) Brainstem
C) Spinal cord
D) Cerebellum

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a person loses cerebral function,the reticular activating system and brainstem can maintain a crude waking state known as a VS.Cognitive cerebral functions,however,cannot occur without a functioning reticular activating system.
A VS is associated with the brainstem,not the cerebral cortex.
A VS is associated with the brainstem,not the spinal cord.
A VS is associated with the brainstem,not the cerebellum.

A 20-Year-Old Male Suffers a Severe Closed Head Injury in a Motor