CTSS Neurobiological Impacts of Trauma 2

Question 1

Polyvagal theory, developed by Stephen Porges, proposes that the social engagement system supporting safety and connection is primarily mediated by which structure?

Accepted Answer

Vagus nerve (cranial nerve X)

Answer

Sympathetic chain ganglia

Answer

Trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V)

Answer

Glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX)

Question 2

Epigenetic changes resulting from trauma exposure primarily affect biological functioning by:

Accepted Answer

Modifying gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence

Answer

Permanently altering the physical DNA sequence of chromosomes

Answer

Changing blood type and immune cell markers

Answer

Affecting only somatic cells, never reproductive cells

Question 3

Which stress hormone, when chronically elevated due to repeated trauma exposure, is most strongly associated with hippocampal volume reduction?

Accepted Answer

Cortisol

Answer

Oxytocin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Melatonin

Question 4

The clinical concept of 'window of tolerance' describes the neurobiological state in which a trauma survivor:

Accepted Answer

Can process trauma material without shifting into hyperarousal or hypoarousal

Answer

Has learned to tolerate traumatic memories without emotional response

Answer

Tolerates the maximum dose of trauma-focused medication safely

Answer

Enters a dissociative state that protects from further trauma exposure

Question 5

In trauma neurobiology, peritraumatic dissociation is most closely associated with which nervous system mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Dorsal vagal shutdown resulting in decreased arousal and disconnection

Answer

Hyperactivation of the norepinephrine system causing amygdala flooding

Answer

Increased prefrontal cortex control over the amygdala

Answer

Elevated cortisol sustaining prolonged HPA axis activation

Question 6

Intergenerational trauma transmission at the biological level is primarily explained by which mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Epigenetic modifications affecting gene expression patterns in subsequent generations

Answer

Direct DNA mutation passed unchanged to offspring

Answer

Hormonal changes that permanently alter blood chemistry before conception

Answer

Cerebrospinal fluid transfer of stress proteins during birth

Question 7

Somatic experiencing therapy targets which primary neurobiological system to resolve trauma symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Procedural and implicit memory within the autonomic nervous system

Answer

Declarative memory and hippocampal reconsolidation pathways

Answer

Explicit verbal processing through Broca's area activation

Answer

Frontal lobe executive function and cognitive reappraisal networks