Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

12. The Central Nervous System

Introduction to the Central Nervous System

Anatomy & Physiology

12. The Central Nervous System

Introduction to the Central Nervous System

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3:02 minutes

Problem 29

Textbook Question

A police officer has just stopped Bill on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. The officer asks Bill to walk the yellow line on the road and then to place the tip of his index finger on the tip of his nose. How would these activities indicate Bill's level of sobriety? Which part of the brain is being tested by these activities?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand that the activities described—walking a straight line and touching the tip of the nose—are tests of motor coordination, balance, and proprioception (the sense of body position). These functions are controlled by specific areas of the brain.

Recognize that the part of the brain being tested is primarily the cerebellum, which is responsible for coordinating voluntary movements, maintaining balance, and ensuring precise motor control.

Note that alcohol impairs the cerebellum's ability to function properly, leading to difficulties in performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and balance. This is why these tests are used to assess sobriety.

Walking the yellow line tests the ability to maintain balance and coordinate leg movements, which requires proper cerebellar function. Difficulty in performing this task may indicate impairment of the cerebellum due to intoxication.

Touching the tip of the nose tests proprioception and fine motor control, which also rely on cerebellar function. If Bill struggles to accurately place his finger on his nose, it may suggest that alcohol has disrupted the cerebellum's ability to process sensory input and coordinate precise movements.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Field Sobriety Tests

Field sobriety tests are standardized tasks used by law enforcement to assess a driver's level of impairment due to alcohol or drugs. These tests, such as walking a straight line or touching one's nose, evaluate coordination, balance, and cognitive function, which are often affected by intoxication. The results help officers determine whether further testing, like a breathalyzer, is necessary.

Cerebellum Function

The cerebellum is a region of the brain that plays a crucial role in motor control, coordination, and balance. It helps fine-tune movements and maintain posture, making it essential for tasks requiring physical precision, such as walking in a straight line or performing finger-to-nose tests. Impairment in this area can indicate intoxication, as alcohol affects its functioning.

Neurological Impairment from Alcohol

Alcohol consumption can lead to neurological impairment, affecting cognitive and motor skills. It disrupts communication between neurons, particularly in areas responsible for coordination and judgment. This impairment is often assessed through physical tasks during sobriety tests, as individuals under the influence may struggle with tasks that require fine motor skills and spatial awareness.