In experiments where researchers suspect that a hormone may be responsible for a certain physiological effect, they may cut the neurons leading to the organ where the effect being studied occurs. What is the purpose of cutting these neurons?
A) to make sure that the effect is not occurring through actions in the nervous system
B) to make sure that the organ being affected cannot function unless the researchers stimulate it with an external electrical probe
C) to impair the normal functions of the organ so that the hormonal effect can be more easily studied
D) to numb the organ so that it can be probed without inducing pain in the lab animal

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cutting the neurons leading to the organ where the effect being studied occurs would prevent nerve impulses from reaching the organ, thus ruling out the possibility that the effect is occurring through actions in the nervous system. This allows researchers to determine the role that hormones may play in the observed physiological effect.

In Experiments Where Researchers Suspect That a Hormone May Be