When a person's cortical functioning ceases but brainstem activity continues, a person is said to be in a
A) persistent vegetative state.
B) coma.
C) psychological fugue.
D) clinical death state.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A persistent vegetative state occurs when a person's cortex, the outer layer of the brain responsible for consciousness and decision-making, is no longer functioning, but their brainstem, which controls basic life-support functions such as breathing and heart rate, continues to work. This results in a person being unconscious, unaware of their surroundings, and unable to communicate, but still being alive.

When a Person's Cortical Functioning Ceases but Brainstem Activity Continues