Which of the following areas of an underage drinker's brain may be permanently damaged by alcohol consumption?

• A. Cerebellum
• B. Hippocampus
• C. Medulla oblongata
• D. Occipital lobe

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the function of each brain area listed: the Cerebellum is involved in motor control and coordination, the Hippocampus is crucial for memory formation, the Medulla oblongata regulates vital autonomic functions, and the Occipital lobe processes visual information.
2. Step 2: Recognize that alcohol consumption, especially in underage individuals, can interfere with brain development and cause damage to areas responsible for critical cognitive functions.
3. Step 3: Identify that the Hippocampus is particularly vulnerable to alcohol-related damage because it plays a key role in forming new memories, and alcohol can disrupt this process during brain development.
4. Step 4: Note that damage to the Hippocampus from alcohol can lead to long-term memory impairments, which is why it is considered the area most likely to be permanently affected in underage drinkers.
5. Step 5: Conclude that among the options, the Hippocampus is the brain area most commonly associated with permanent damage due to alcohol consumption in underage individuals.