Neurophysiology: memory: practice question

A Physiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Physiology · Neurophysiology: memory

Sample item

After bilateral medial temporal lobe resection for epilepsy, a man cannot form new long-term declarative memories but recalls his childhood and can learn new motor skills. Which structure is mainly responsible?

AHippocampusBCerebellumCAmygdalaDPrefrontal cortex

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Hippocampus

The hippocampus is required for consolidation of new declarative (explicit) memory, so its loss causes anterograde amnesia. Remote memories are stored in the cortex, and procedural learning relies on the basal ganglia and cerebellum, which remain intact. Short-term working memory also remains.

Option by option

A. Hippocampus (correct)
Correct. Hippocampal damage impairs consolidation of new explicit memories.
B. Cerebellum
The cerebellum is concerned with motor learning, which is preserved here.
C. Amygdala
The amygdala is concerned with emotional memory and fear conditioning.
D. Prefrontal cortex
The prefrontal cortex supports working memory, which is spared.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is A, Hippocampus. The hippocampus is required for consolidation of new declarative (explicit) memory, so its loss causes anterograde amnesia.

Why is "Cerebellum" not the answer?

The cerebellum is concerned with motor learning, which is preserved here.

Why is "Amygdala" not the answer?

The amygdala is concerned with emotional memory and fear conditioning.

Why is "Prefrontal cortex" not the answer?

The prefrontal cortex supports working memory, which is spared.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neurophysiology: memory in Physiology. Remote memories are stored in the cortex, and procedural learning relies on the basal ganglia and cerebellum, which remain intact. Short-term working memory also remains.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Neurophysiology: memory?

For each system, sketch the key graph (pressure–volume loop, oxygen dissociation curve, nephron handling) and explain it aloud. Then use the flashcards and the other Physiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.