Kelsey had a CT scan that showed a tumor in the right frontal cortex. Which of the following behavioral symptoms most likely prompted the scan to take place?
difficulty comprehending language
difficulty producing language
motor skill deficits in the left side of her body
sensory deficits in the right side of her body
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer:
Motor skill deficits in the left side of her body
Explanation:
The right frontal cortex is part of the brain responsible for various functions, including motor control, problem-solving, and executive functions. The motor areas in the frontal cortex, specifically the primary motor cortex, are organized in a contralateral manner—meaning that the right hemisphere controls motor functions on the left side of the body and vice versa.
If Kelsey had a tumor in the right frontal cortex, it could directly affect the primary motor cortex, which is responsible for voluntary muscle movements. This would most likely result in motor skill deficits on the left side of her body. These deficits could include weakness, poor coordination, or loss of fine motor control in her left arm or leg.
Here’s why the other options are less likely:
- Difficulty comprehending language
This symptom is typically associated with damage to Wernicke’s area, located in the left temporal lobe (for most people). The right frontal cortex does not play a primary role in language comprehension. - Difficulty producing language
This is usually linked to damage to Broca’s area, located in the left frontal cortex (for most people). Again, the right frontal cortex is not primarily involved in language production. - Sensory deficits in the right side of her body
Sensory deficits would arise from damage to the somatosensory cortex in the parietal lobe, not the frontal cortex. Additionally, since the brain functions contralaterally, damage to the right hemisphere would likely cause sensory deficits on the left side of the body, not the right.
Thus, the most logical and likely behavioral symptom leading to the discovery of the tumor is motor skill deficits on the left side of the body, as these are directly linked to the functions of the affected region.