Damage to a small part of the occipital lobe would most likely result in which of the following?

• A. Partial loss of vision in the corresponding visual field
• B. Impaired ability to understand spoken language
• C. Difficulty with voluntary muscle movement
• D. Loss of sense of smell

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Identify the function of the occipital lobe in the brain. The occipital lobe is primarily responsible for processing visual information received from the eyes.
2. Step 2: Understand that damage to the occipital lobe typically affects visual perception, which can lead to visual field deficits such as partial loss of vision.
3. Step 3: Recognize that impaired ability to understand spoken language is usually associated with damage to the temporal lobe, particularly Wernicke's area, not the occipital lobe.
4. Step 4: Note that difficulty with voluntary muscle movement is linked to damage in the frontal lobe or motor cortex, not the occipital lobe.
5. Step 5: Remember that loss of sense of smell is related to damage in the olfactory bulb or related structures, which are not located in the occipital lobe.