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The case of Patient N. suggests that the urge to smoke comes from activity of the?

1) lateral hypothalamus
2) nucleus accumbens
3) hippocampus
4) amygdala
5) insula

1 Answer

2 votes

Final answer:

The urge to smoke is most closely associated with the insula, a brain structure that plays a critical role in tobacco addiction. While the amygdala and nucleus accumbens are involved in motivation, the insula specifically links to the smoking urge.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question revolves around the urge to smoke and implicates a specific brain structure in this behavioral urge. Given the choices, the insula is the part of the brain that has been identified to play a significant role in the addictive urge to smoke. Several studies have found that damage to the insula can lead to a sudden cessation of smoking, indicating that this region plays a central role in tobacco addiction.

Additionally, the amygdala and the nucleus accumbens are part of the limbic system, which is heavily involved in emotional responses, motivation, and reward processing. These areas are known to contribute to the motivation aspect of various behaviors, including sexual behavior, as suggested by animal research. While the nucleus accumbens is linked to the rewarding aspects of various addictions, including smoking, the insula's role is more specifically tied to the urge to smoke when it comes to tobacco addiction.

Therefore, the answer to the question, 'The case of Patient N. suggests that the urge to smoke comes from activity of the...', would be option 5) insula.

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