Problem 7 - Biology: The Dynamic Science

Question

A teenager is frightened when she is about to step onto the stage but then remembers to breathe deeply and slowly as she faces the audience. What is occurring here? Interneurons in the medulla cause the rib muscles to relax, followed later by stimulation and contraction of the intercostal muscles. b. Signals from the pons override the initial brain stem stimuli. c. The limbic system stabilized her emotional state, so there is no change in the mechanical movement of air. d. The brain signals the aortic bodies in the carotid arteries to adjust the breathing rate. \mathrm{e. } ~ I n i t i a l ~ l o w ~ C O ~ \(_{2}\) blood levels causing high pH are followed by increased \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) levels that lower \(\mathrm{pH}\).

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Answer is c. The limbic system stabilizes her emotional state so there is no change in the mechanical movement of air.

Step 1: Understand Function of Various Brain Parts

Analyze the roles of the brain structures and functions mentioned in each answer choice. The limbic system is involved in emotional responses, the medulla and pons regulate breathing, while the aortic bodies respond to changes in blood gas levels.

Step 2: Relate to the given scenario

Relate these roles to the specific scenario presented. A teenager experiences emotional stress (fear), and her response (deep, slow breathing) helps calm her down. This response is likely linked to her emotional state, rather than any physiological change.

Step 3: Choose the correct option

Eliminate options that don't involve emotion regulation (choices a, b, and e) or don't involve breathing regulation (choice d). Only choice c - The limbic system stabilizes her emotional state, seems to fit with the scenario. This system adjusts her emotional response and subsequently, there's no change in the mechanical movement of air.