Question 1

Which description best matches the role of the thalamus?&#10;A) A sorting area for sensory and motor impulses that relays the information to the most appropriate brain region&#10;B) An area involved in appetite, body temperature, thirst and hormone release&#10;C) The area involved in the primary perception and interpretation of sensation as well as the initiation of skeletal muscle movement&#10;D) A region involved in equilibrium, postural control and coordinated movement

Accepted Answer

The thalamus is responsible for sorting sensory and motor impulses and relaying them to the appropriate brain regions for further processing.

(Note: B describes the hypothalamus, C describes the primary somatosensory cortex, and D describes the cerebellum.)

Question 2

Which part of the human brain is not considered part of the brainstem?&#10;A) Medulla oblongata&#10;B) Midbrain&#10;C) Pons&#10;D) Cerebrum

Accepted Answer

The cerebrum, also known as the forebrain, is not considered part of the brainstem. It is responsible for higher brain functions such as conscious thought, movement, sensation, and emotion. The brainstem, on the other hand, is responsible for basic life-sustaining functions such as breathing and heart rate. The medulla oblongata, pons, and midbrain are all part of the brainstem.

Question 3

The transmitter associated with emesis is:&#10;A) dopamine.&#10;B) serotonin.&#10;C) noradrenaline.&#10;D) acetylcholine.

Accepted Answer

dopamine.

Question 4

The transmitter that is particularly associated with cognition,memory formation and skeletal muscle activation is:&#10;A) dopamine.&#10;B) noradrenaline.&#10;C) acetylcholine.&#10;D) serotonin.

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in cognitive processes such as attention, learning, and memory formation. It also activates skeletal muscles, making it essential for movement and motor control. While dopamine and noradrenaline are also involved in cognition and memory, they are primarily associated with reward and motivation, and the regulation of mood and emotions. Serotonin is primarily involved in the regulation of mood, appetite, and sleep.

Question 5

The major inhibitory neurotransmitter is:&#10;A) dopamine.&#10;B) glutamate.&#10;C) serotonin.&#10;D) GABA.

Accepted Answer

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It functions to reduce the activity of neurons and helps to maintain a balance between excitatory and inhibitory signals in the brain.

Question 6

With which neurotransmitter system are NMDA receptors primarily associated?&#10;A) Acetylcholine&#10;B) Glutamate&#10;C) Dopamine&#10;D) Serotonin

Accepted Answer

NMDA receptors are primarily associated with the glutamate neurotransmitter system. NMDA receptors are ionotropic glutamate receptors that play a critical role in synaptic plasticity and learning and memory.

Question 7

One of the pharmacological issues associated with the widespread distribution of receptors for a particular transmitter throughout the brain is that:&#10;A) the number of unwanted drug effects is low.&#10;B) there is a need to develop more specific agents.&#10;C) the drugs will not work on peripheral body receptors.&#10;D) the receptors are all of the same subtype.

Accepted Answer

When receptors for a particular transmitter are distributed throughout the brain, it becomes difficult to develop drugs that only target specific receptors without affecting others. This can lead to unwanted drug effects. Therefore, there is a need to develop more specific agents to target only the desired receptors.

Deck 32: General concepts of Psychopharmacology