Which of the following is most likely caused by an injury to the brainstem?

• A. Problems with voluntary movement coordination
• B. Impaired regulation of heart rate and breathing
• C. Difficulty in forming new long-term memories
• D. Loss of ability to recognize faces

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the function of the brainstem: The brainstem controls vital automatic functions such as heart rate, breathing, and basic arousal.
2. Identify the symptoms related to brainstem injury: Since the brainstem manages autonomic functions, injuries here often cause problems with heart rate and breathing regulation.
3. Compare other options with brainstem functions: Voluntary movement coordination is primarily managed by the cerebellum and motor cortex, not the brainstem.
4. Consider memory formation: Difficulty forming new long-term memories is typically linked to the hippocampus and related structures in the temporal lobe, not the brainstem.
5. Recognize face processing: The ability to recognize faces involves the fusiform gyrus in the temporal lobe, which is separate from the brainstem.