Studies using decerebrate rats indicate that
A) the circuits controlling ingestion lie forward to the brain stem.
B) CCK acts within the frontal cortex to stimulate eating.
C) the brain stem contains circuits that allow a rat to chew and to swallow.
D) decerebrate rats are unable to chew, to swallow, or to distinguish tastes.
E) feeding circuits are contained within the forebrain.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Decerebrate rats have their cerebral cortex removed, but their brainstem is still intact. Studies with decerebrate rats have shown that the brainstem contains circuits responsible for controlling chewing and swallowing, which allows these rats to still eat and drink despite not having a cerebral cortex. Therefore, option C is correct. Option A and E are incorrect because the circuits responsible for ingestion and feeding are mostly located in the hindbrain, including the medulla, pons, and lower areas of the brainstem. Option B is incorrect because CCK primarily acts within the gastrointestinal system to signal fullness and reduce appetite. Option D is incorrect because although decerebrate rats have some difficulty eating, they are still able to chew, swallow, and distinguish tastes.

Studies Using Decerebrate Rats Indicate That