Neurophysiology and special senses: split-brain syndrome: 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 and special senses: split-brain syndrome

Sample item

After section of the corpus callosum for epilepsy, a patient can name an object placed in the right hand but cannot name one in the left hand, though he can pick it out with the left hand from a group. What is the reason?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Left-hand input reaches only the right hemisphere, cut off from language areas

In most people the left hemisphere is dominant for language. Sensory input from the right hand goes to the left hemisphere and can be named. Input from the left hand reaches the right hemisphere, which can recognise the object and guide the hand, but without the callosum it cannot send the information to the language areas.

Option by option

  • A. Broca's area has been damaged by the surgery

    A Broca's area lesion would affect speech for both hands.

  • B. The right hemisphere cannot recognise objects at all

    The right hemisphere can recognise objects, as shown by the correct choice with the left hand.

  • C. The left hand has lost somatic sensation

    Sensation is intact because the patient can pick out the object with the left hand.

  • D. Left-hand input reaches only the right hemisphere, cut off from language areas (correct)

    Correct. The disconnected right hemisphere cannot communicate with language areas.

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.

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Questions about this Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is D, Left-hand input reaches only the right hemisphere, cut off from language areas. In most people the left hemisphere is dominant for language.

Why is "Broca's area has been damaged by the surgery" not the answer?

A Broca's area lesion would affect speech for both hands.

Why is "The right hemisphere cannot recognise objects at all" not the answer?

The right hemisphere can recognise objects, as shown by the correct choice with the left hand.

Why is "The left hand has lost somatic sensation" not the answer?

Sensation is intact because the patient can pick out the object with the left hand.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neurophysiology and special senses: split-brain syndrome in Physiology. Sensory input from the right hand goes to the left hemisphere and can be named. Input from the left hand reaches the right hemisphere, which can recognise the object and guide the hand, but without the callosum it cannot send the information to the language areas.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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 and special senses: split-brain syndrome?

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.