The nervous system pathway which transmits information from the thalamus to the ____ is a rapid-response pathway that quickly results in physiological responses associated with emotion.
A) medulla
B) amygdala
C) cerebral cortex
D) cerebellum

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The pathway that transmits information from the thalamus to the amygdala is known as the "low road" or the "fast pathway" because it is a rapid-response pathway that bypasses the cerebral cortex and quickly results in physiological responses associated with emotion, such as fear or anxiety. The medulla is involved in regulating vital functions such as breathing and heart rate, the cerebral cortex is responsible for higher level cognitive functions such as thinking and decision-making, and the cerebellum is involved in motor control and balance - none of which are directly related to the processing of emotional information. Therefore, the correct answer is B) amygdala.

The Nervous System Pathway Which Transmits Information from the Thalamus