The so called "fast pathway" is an important circuit in the brain because

A) it speeds up our brain's ability to send important sensory information to the cerebral cortex.
B) it allows us to respond to a potentially dangerous stimulus before we even know exactly what it is.
C) it allows us to process quickly moving stimuli in our environment.
D) it is involved in the conscious recognition of a potentially dangerous stimulus.

Answer: B
Rationale: Sensory information first goes through the thalamus, and then may go directly to the amygdala, which immediately stimulates hormonal and autonomic responses. This route is sometimes called the fast pathway because the body is readied for action before the stimulus is even fully perceived and interpreted.