Brain researchers lesion part of a rat's brain. The rat continues to have normal vision and hearing, but now has difficulty telling whether a stimulus is a threat. The rat also shows difficulty modulating its emotional behavior. It is likely that the researchers lesioned which area of the rat brain?

A) brain stem
B) limbic system
C) cerebral cortex
D) sympathetic nervous system

Limbic System

A complex system of nerves and networks in the brain, involved in instinct and mood control. It regulates fundamental emotions and drives, such as pleasure, fear, and anger.

Brain Stem

The brain stem is the lower extension of the brain, connected to the spinal cord, responsible for controlling essential life-sustaining functions like breathing and heart rate.

Cerebral Cortex

The outer layer of the cerebrum in the brain, involved in high-level functions such as sensory perception, reasoning, and voluntary muscle activity.