Unit 1- Understanding Your Health > Lesson 2- Changes in the Teen Years
4. Why does the amygdala play an increased role in the decision-making process of teens than in adults?
a. because the prefrontal cortex has not begun to grow yet
b. because the amygdala secretes more hormones than the prefrontal cortex
c. because the prefrontal cortex is not done being rewired yet
d. because the amygdala has grown larger than the prefrontal cortex
nevermind, i figured it out.
the answers for this quick check are B,B,A,C,D by the way
c. because the prefrontal cortex is not done being rewired yet
To answer this question correctly, we need to understand why the amygdala plays an increased role in the decision-making process of teens compared to adults. Let's go through each answer choice to determine the correct one:
a. because the prefrontal cortex has not begun to grow yet - This answer is incorrect. The prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for executive functions such as decision-making and impulse control, does begin to grow during the teen years.
b. because the amygdala secretes more hormones than the prefrontal cortex - This answer is incorrect. While the amygdala does play a role in emotional responses and hormone regulation, it does not secrete more hormones than the prefrontal cortex.
c. because the prefrontal cortex is not done being rewired yet - This answer is correct. During adolescence, the prefrontal cortex undergoes significant rewiring as the brain continues to develop. This rewiring affects the connections between different brain regions, including the amygdala. As a result, the amygdala becomes more active and plays a larger role in decision-making, while the prefrontal cortex is still developing its full capacity.
d. because the amygdala has grown larger than the prefrontal cortex - This answer is incorrect. While it is true that the amygdala undergoes some growth during adolescence, it does not necessarily grow larger than the prefrontal cortex.
Therefore, the correct answer is c. because the prefrontal cortex is not done being rewired yet.