The drunk-driving suspect was unable to hold his hand out to the side and bring his finger to a stop on his nose because activity in one of his brain structures was depressed by alcohol. Given this symptom, which brain structure is impaired?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The cerebellum is responsible for controlling motor coordination and balance, and is particularly susceptible to the effects of alcohol. A person's inability to complete the finger-to-nose task is a classic test of cerebellar function, and impairment in this area is consistent with the symptoms described.

The Drunk-Driving Suspect Was Unable to Hold His Hand Out