Damage to the insula would most likely result in which of the following deficits?

• A. Difficulty with voluntary motor movements
• B. Impaired awareness of internal bodily states such as hunger and pain
• C. Impaired long-term memory formation
• D. Loss of visual processing abilities

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the role of the insula in the brain. The insula is primarily involved in processing internal bodily states, such as sensations of hunger, pain, and emotional awareness.
2. Step 2: Review the functions associated with other brain areas mentioned in the options. For example, voluntary motor movements are typically linked to the motor cortex, long-term memory formation to the hippocampus, and visual processing to the occipital lobe.
3. Step 3: Compare the functions of the insula with the deficits listed. Since the insula processes internal bodily sensations, damage to it would most likely impair awareness of these internal states.
4. Step 4: Eliminate options that are less related to the insula's function, such as voluntary motor movements, long-term memory, and visual processing, which are controlled by other brain regions.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the most likely deficit from insula damage is impaired awareness of internal bodily states such as hunger and pain.