What is the role of the cortex in a fear response to a stimulus?
A)It initiates the fear response.
B)It is involved in the fast pathway that immediately triggers an increase in heart rate.
C)It either stops or sustains the fear response once the threat has been identified.
D)It is part of the slow pathway that opposes the fast pathway.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The cortex is responsible for either stopping or sustaining the fear response once the threat has been identified. It plays a role in cognitive appraisal of the stimulus and helps determine if the fear response is necessary and appropriate.

Answer: D 
 The cortex is part of the slow pathway that opposes the fast pathway. The fast pathway triggers an immediate fear response while the slow pathway allows for cognitive appraisal and potential regulation of the fear response. The cortex plays a role in the slow pathway by inhibiting the fast pathway when necessary.

What Is the Role of the Cortex in a Fear