Question

chapter 03 quiz: the biological bases of behavior
total points: --/20
split-brain research demonstrates what important aspect of brain function?
the left and right hemispheres of the brain are specialized for certain tasks.
cutting the corpus callosum drastically reduces cognitive function.
only visual, not auditory, information crosses hemispheres at the corpus callosum.
the right hemisphere is specialized for language abilities.
which gland of the endocrine system releases hormones that fan out within the body and stimulate other endocrine glands?
thyroid
oxytocin
pancreas
pituitary

Explanation:

1. For the split-brain question: Split-brain studies involve severing the corpus callosum, and they revealed that the left and right brain hemispheres have distinct, specialized functions (e.g., left hemisphere for language, right for spatial tasks). Cutting the corpus callosum does not drastically reduce overall cognitive function, both visual and auditory information can transfer, and the left (not right) hemisphere handles primary language abilities.
2. For the endocrine gland question: The pituitary gland is often called the "master gland" because it secretes hormones that regulate and stimulate other endocrine glands throughout the body. The thyroid regulates metabolism, oxytocin is a hormone (not a gland) for bonding/childbirth, and the pancreas regulates blood sugar.

Answer:

1. The left and right hemispheres of the brain are specialized for certain tasks.
2. Pituitary