Question

A child has experienced nervous system damage and can no longer coordinate the movements to dribble a basketball, although she can still walk in an uncoordinated fashion. Which region of the central nervous system was most likely affected? (A) Forebrain (B) Midbrain (C) Hindbrain (D) Spinal cord

Short answer

Hindbrain (C)

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the symptoms

The child can no longer coordinate movements to dribble a basketball, but can still walk, although uncoordinated. This indicates a loss of fine motor skills but not complete loss of gross motor skills.

Review the functions of different brain regions

Different regions of the central nervous system (CNS) control different functions. The forebrain is involved in complex behaviors and decision-making, the midbrain controls vision and hearing reflexes, the hindbrain controls motor activity and coordination, and the spinal cord transmits signals between the brain and the rest of the body.

Analyze the role of the hindbrain

The hindbrain includes structures such as the cerebellum, which is essential for coordination and balance. Damage to the hindbrain can lead to difficulties in performing coordinated movements like dribbling a basketball.

Determine the most likely affected region

Given the child's specific symptoms of uncoordinated fine motor movements and the hindbrain's role in coordination, the hindbrain is the region most likely affected.

Key concepts

motor skills

Motor skills are movements and actions of the muscles. In a broad sense, they are divided into two categories: gross motor skills and fine motor skills.

Gross motor skills involve larger muscle groups and are responsible for movements like walking, jumping, and throwing. These skills are usually developed during early childhood and involve basic, whole-body movements.

Fine motor skills, on the other hand, concern smaller muscle groups and intricate movements such as writing, buttoning a shirt, or dribbling a basketball. Developing these skills can take more time and practice, requiring precise coordination and control over individual muscles.

When a child suffers damage to their central nervous system, it can impact their ability to perform both types of motor skills. In the exercise described, the child’s ability to walk, though uncoordinated, suggests that gross motor skills are partially intact, but the child's difficulty in dribbling indicates impaired fine motor skills.

hindbrain

The hindbrain is a crucial part of the central nervous system, responsible for managing various vital functions and motor activities. It comprises several key structures, including the cerebellum, pons, and medulla oblongata.

The cerebellum plays a significant role in coordination, precision, and accurate timing of movements. It ensures our movements are smooth and coordinated, which is essential for activities like dribbling a basketball.

The pons and medulla oblongata are involved in regulating autonomic functions such as respiration, heart rate, and digestion. Together with the cerebellum, these structures allow for fluid and purposeful movements.

In the exercise, we determined that the damage to the child's hindbrain is the probable cause of their uncoordinated walking and inability to dribble a basketball. This illustrates the critical role the hindbrain plays in managing and performing coordinated movements.

coordination

Coordination is the ability to execute smooth, accurate, and controlled motor responses. It involves the integration of sensory information and motor movement.

Several components contribute to good coordination, including proprioception (awareness of body position), balance, and synchronization of muscle activity. The cerebellum, a part of the hindbrain, is heavily involved in fine-tuning these components.

Good coordination is essential for performing complex tasks like dribbling a basketball, which requires timed muscle contractions and adjustments based on sensory feedback.

If the cerebellum or other parts of the hindbrain are damaged, the body's ability to coordinate movements is severely affected, leading to the uncoordinated motor skills seen in the exercise. This highlights how dependent coordinated activities are on a fully functional central nervous system.