Neurophysiology: frontal lobe lesion: practice question

A Physiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Physiology · Neurophysiology: frontal lobe lesion

Sample item

After a bilateral injury to the prefrontal cortex, a previously reserved man becomes socially disinhibited, makes poor decisions and shows little concern for consequences, yet his memory and language are intact. What is the most likely site of damage?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Prefrontal association cortex

The prefrontal cortex handles judgement, planning, social behaviour and impulse control. Bilateral damage causes personality change and disinhibition with preserved memory and language.

Option by option

  • A. Wernicke area

    Wernicke area damage causes fluent but meaningless speech with poor comprehension.

  • B. Hippocampus

    Hippocampal damage mainly impairs new declarative memory, which is intact here.

  • C. Prefrontal association cortex (correct)

    Correct. Prefrontal damage causes disinhibition and impaired judgement.

  • D. Occipital cortex

    Occipital cortex damage causes visual field defects.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is C, Prefrontal association cortex. The prefrontal cortex handles judgement, planning, social behaviour and impulse control.

Why is "Wernicke area" not the answer?

Wernicke area damage causes fluent but meaningless speech with poor comprehension.

Why is "Hippocampus" not the answer?

Hippocampal damage mainly impairs new declarative memory, which is intact here.

Why is "Occipital cortex" not the answer?

Occipital cortex damage causes visual field defects.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neurophysiology: frontal lobe lesion in Physiology. Bilateral damage causes personality change and disinhibition with preserved memory and language.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Neurophysiology: frontal lobe lesion?

For each system, sketch the key graph (pressure–volume loop, oxygen dissociation curve, nephron handling) and explain it aloud. Then use the flashcards and the other Physiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.