Question

h.m. was unable to form any new semantic memories because of the removal of his ______.

prefrontal cortex
hippocampus
neurotransmitters
amygdala

Explanation:

Identify the patient and surgical history

Using the Anterograde Amnesia knowledge point
Patient H.M. (Henry Molaison) is one of the most famous case studies in cognitive psychology and neuroscience. In 1953, he underwent a bilateral medial temporal lobectomy to alleviate severe, intractable epilepsy.

Determine the brain structure removed

Using the Brain Structures knowledge point
The surgical resection performed on H.M. primarily targeted and removed bilateral structures of the medial temporal lobe, most notably the hippocampus and surrounding cortical areas.

Relate the structure to memory deficits

Using the Brain Structures and Anterograde Amnesia knowledge points
The removal of the hippocampus resulted in severe anterograde amnesia, rendering H.M. unable to consolidate and form new explicit (declarative) memories, which include both episodic and semantic memories.

Answer:

• prefrontal cortex
• hippocampus (Correct answer)
• neurotransmitters
• amygdala