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

Porges' polyvagal theory identifies the myelinated ventral vagus nerve as the pathway for social engagement behaviors, including facial expression and vocal prosody, that signal safety in the environment.

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

Epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation and histone modification alter how genes are expressed in response to trauma without changing the DNA sequence itself, and these changes can persist and potentially be transmitted.

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

Chronically elevated cortisol exerts neurotoxic effects on hippocampal neurons, inhibiting neurogenesis and promoting dendritic atrophy, which is why smaller hippocampal volume is a neuroimaging finding in chronic PTSD.

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

The window of tolerance, described by Daniel Siegel, is the optimal arousal zone where the nervous system remains regulated enough for the cortex to process and integrate traumatic material effectively.

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

According to polyvagal theory, when fight-or-flight fails, the ancient dorsal vagal pathway produces a shutdown/dissociative response characterized by immobility, numbness, and reduced awareness.

CTSS - Certified Trauma Services Specialist Practice Test

CTSS - Certified Trauma Services Specialist Practice Test

CTSS Neurobiological Impacts of Trauma 2