CTSS Neurobiological Impacts of Trauma

Question 1

Which brain structure is primarily responsible for processing and storing fear memories associated with traumatic experiences?

Accepted Answer

Amygdala

Answer

Hippocampus

Answer

Prefrontal cortex

Answer

Cerebellum

Question 2

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is primarily responsible for regulating which aspect of the trauma stress response?

Accepted Answer

Cortisol and stress hormone release

Answer

Inflammatory cytokine cascade

Answer

Serotonin neurotransmitter balance

Answer

Dopaminergic reward pathways

Question 3

During an acute trauma response, which branch of the autonomic nervous system is first activated to initiate the fight-or-flight reaction?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic nervous system

Answer

Parasympathetic nervous system

Answer

Enteric nervous system

Answer

Somatic nervous system

Question 4

Which neurotransmitter is most directly associated with the hyperarousal and fight-or-flight response triggered by trauma exposure?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

GABA

Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 5

Research consistently shows that chronic trauma and prolonged cortisol elevation result in what structural change to the hippocampus?

Accepted Answer

Decreased volume due to glucocorticoid neurotoxicity

Answer

Increased volume and enhanced neurogenesis

Answer

No measurable structural changes

Answer

Thickening of the hippocampal membrane

Question 6

The 'freeze' or tonic immobility response to overwhelming trauma is primarily mediated by which nervous system mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic activation co-occurring with parasympathetic activation

Answer

Pure parasympathetic withdrawal only

Answer

Enteric nervous system override of cortical control

Answer

Hypothalamic suppression operating in isolation

Question 7

Decreased activity in the medial prefrontal cortex during trauma flashbacks primarily impairs which function?

Accepted Answer

Rational appraisal and emotional modulation of the amygdala

Answer

Heart rate and cardiovascular regulation

Answer

Muscle coordination and proprioceptive balance

Answer

Long-term explicit memory consolidation