Deck 3: The Biological Bases of Behavior

Question 1

The insulation that covers some axons and increases the speed of transmission of the neural impulse is the

A)neurotransmitter sheath.
B)myelin sheath.
C)glia wrap.
D)terminal cover.

Answer 1

myelin sheath.

Question 2

Emma has multiple sclerosis. If you could view her nervous system, you would find ​

A)a lack of neurotransmitters in some neurons.
B)areas where the myelin sheath has degenerated.
C)areas where the dendrites are severely damaged.
D)a reduction in the number of chloride ions in her peripheral nervous system.

Answer 2

areas where the myelin sheath has degenerated.

Question 3

The cells of the nervous system that do the work of receiving, integrating, and transmitting information are the ​

A)neurilemma.
B)glia.
C)neuroblasts.
D)neurons.

Answer 3

neurons.

Question 4

The cells that provide nourishment and insulation for neurons are called ​

A)glia.
B)somata.
C)neuromodulators.
D)dendrites.

Question 5

An action potential is ​

A)the tiny electrical charge that exists when a neuron is neither receiving nor sending information.
B)an electrical signal that travels along the axon of a neuron.
C)the small gap that exists between adjacent neurons.
D)an electrical signal that travels along the dendrites of a neuron.

Question 6

Which of the following statements about myelin is NOT true? ​

A)The myelin sheath affects the speed of neural transmission.
B)The myelin sheath is a factor in multiple sclerosis.
C)Myelin sometimes prevents axons from sprouting in new directions.
D)All axons have a myelin sheath.

Question 7

Cells found in the nervous system that support neurons by removing waste products are known as

A)neurotransmitters.
B)myelin sheaths.
C)glia.
D)synapses.

Question 8

The tiny electrical charge that exists when a neuron is NOT receiving or sending information is called a(n)

A)action potential.
B)synaptic gap.
C)resting potential.
D)postsynaptic potential.

Question 9

Terminal buttons are located ​

A)in the synaptic cleft.
B)on the soma.
C)at the end of dendrites.
D)at the end of axons.

Question 10

In computers, when the print command is executed, a cable carries this signal from the computer to the printer. In comparing a computer to a neuron, the cable that carries the signal between the computer and the printer would be equivalent to ​

A)a refractory potential.
B)the axon.
C)the dendrites.
D)the soma.

Question 11

The main function of dendrites is to ​

A)support and insulate the neuron.
B)release neurotransmitters.
C)transmit information.
D)receive information.

Question 12

The electrical charge that exists between the inside and outside of a neuron when the neuron is neither receiving nor sending is approximately

A)- 1,000 millivolts.
B)+70 millivolts.
C)- 70 millivolts.
D)+1,000 millivolts.

Question 13

Based on recent research, we would expect that people with schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, or chronic pain may have dysfunction in their ​

A)occipital lobes.
B)glial cells.
C)endorphin systems.
D)somatic nuclei.

Question 14

The part of a neuron that transmits information away from the neuron and toward another neuron is the ​

A)synapse.
B)soma.
C)dendrites.
D)axon.

Question 15

The difference in the flow rates of sodium and potassium ions across the cell membrane when a neuron is at rest leads to ​

A)a slightly higher concentration of negatively charged ions inside the cell.
B)a negatively charged action potential.
C)a slightly lower concentration of negatively charged ions inside the cell.
D)both a negatively charged action potential and a slightly lower concentration of negatively charged ions inside the cell.

Question 16

The chemicals that are secreted from the terminal buttons into the synapse are ​

A)neurotransmitters.
B)action potentials.
C)antagonists.
D)agonists.

Question 17

Neurotransmitters are secreted from the ​

A)myelin sheath.
B)terminal buttons.
C)neuromodulators.
D)dendrites.

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT one of the main functions of neurons?

A)R eceiving information
B)Generating information
C)Transmitting information
D)Integrating information

Question 19

Bradley is deeply relaxed, and his muscles are not moving at all. This suggests that, for Bradley's motor neurons,

A)sodium ions are concentrated inside the neurons and chloride ions are concentrated outside the neurons.
B)sodium ions and potassium ions are both concentrated inside the neurons.
C)sodium ions and potassium ions are both concentrated outside the neurons.
D)sodium ions are concentrated outside the neurons and chloride ions are concentrated inside the neurons.

Question 20

Information is received by a neuron through the _____ and is transmitted toward other neurons through the _____.

A)dendrites; soma
B)dendrites; axon
C)axon; dendrites
D)soma; axon

Question 21

According to the _____ law, a neuron fires an action potential at only one level of intensity.

A)all-or-none
B)threshold
C)refractory
D)action

Question 22

In addition to other roles, acetylcholine appears to be involved in attention, arousal, learning, and memory, and its degeneration related to Alzheimer's disease. In what brain structure would you expect to find a high percentage of acetylcholine receptors?

A)Pons
B)H ypothalamus
C)Hippocampus
D)Thalamus

Question 23

The microscopic gap between the terminal buttons of one neuron and the cell membrane of another neuron is the ​

A)neurotransmitter cleft.
B)synaptic cleft.
C)presynaptic space.
D)postsynaptic space.

Question 24

Dr. Jacoby has just discovered a new drug that blocks the action of acetylcholine. This new drug will likely produce side effects such as

A)general stimulation within the body and an increase in heart rate.
B)paralysis and memory loss.
C)anxiety reduction and general relaxation.
D)hallucinations and disrupted sleep patterns.

Question 25

Reabsorption of neurotransmitters into the presynaptic neuron is referred to as ​

A)cyclomyosis.
B)regrading.
C)uploading.
D)reuptake.

Question 26

The neurons in Michael's arm just sent a neural impulse. It will be 1-2 milliseconds before another neural impulse can be generated. This brief time period, when another neural impulse cannot occur, is called the ​

A)all-or-none period.
B)absolute refractory period.
C)resting potential.
D)postsynaptic discharge.

Question 27

Sara is holding Scott's hand during a scary movie. Suddenly, she squeezes his hand very hard. When she does this, the neurons in Scott's hand will ​

A)start to fire at a faster rate.
B)send stronger signals to his central nervous system.
C)enter an absolute refractory period.
D)release more chloride ions.

Question 28

The minimum length of time between action potentials is determined by

A)transduction capacity.
B)transduction incapacity.
C)the absolute refractory period.
D)the relative threshold period.

Question 29

The elimination of old, less active synapses is known as ​

A)synaptic reuptake.
B)synaptic pruning.
C)neurogenesis.
D)synaptic sculpting.

Question 30

Synaptic vesicles are structures that ​

A)control the speed with which a neuron fires.
B)manufacture myelin.
C)store neurotransmitters.
D)provide energy for a neuron's activity.

Question 31

Fiona puts her hands into a sink of lukewarm water; Luke puts his hands into a sink of ice-cold water. Based on what is known about neural transmission, you could predict that the action potentials will ​

A)travel more quickly in Luke's system because the stimulus is more intense.
B)be weaker in Fiona's system because the stimulus is less intense.
C)be the same in both individuals due to the all-or-none principle.
D)travel a shorter distance in Luke's system because the stimulus is more intense.

Question 32

The release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft is caused by the arrival of the

A)action potential at the postsynaptic neuron.
B)resting potential at the postsynaptic neuron.
C)action potential at the terminal buttons.
D)resting potential at the terminal buttons.

Question 33

Leonard's mother became dehydrated during a recent illness, and the levels of sodium in her body were significantly reduced. If enough sodium was lost, you might expect that ​

A)her nervous system would become highly activated and action potentials would be generated continuously.
B)fewer action potentials would occur in her nervous system.
C)more neurotransmitters would be produced in her terminal buttons.
D)glial cells would start to degenerate and die.

Question 34

A postsynaptic potential occurs when ​

A)neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic cleft.
B)neurotransmitters are reabsorbed into the terminal buttons.
C)neurotransmitters bind or attach to receptor sites on the postsynaptic neuron.
D)neurotransmitters bind or attach to receptor sites on the presynaptic neuron.

Question 35

If inhibitory postsynaptic potentials did not exist, ​

A)it would be "easier" for a neuron to fire its action potential.
B)it would be "harder" for a neuron to fire its action potential.
C)there would not be any effect on the ease at which a neuron fires its action potential.
D)it would be impossible for neural impulses to travel across the synapse.

Question 36

Jeremy is sitting quietly when the muscles in his left leg begin to "twitch." This activation of movement in his voluntary muscles is MOST likely due to the release of the neurotransmitter

A)serotonin.
B)dopamine.
C)acetylcholine.
D)norepinephrine.

Question 37

During an action potential, the neuron's electrical charge is ​

A)negative and travels along the axon.
B)negative and travels along the dendrite.
C)positive and travels along the axon.
D)positive and travels along the dendrite.

Question 38

An electric potential that increases the likelihood that the postsynaptic neuron will fire is called an ​

A)all-or-none potential.
B)inhibitory postsynaptic potential.
C)excitatory postsynaptic potential.
D)excitatory presynaptic potential.

Question 39

An impulse moves from one neuron to another through the action of ​

A)neurotransmitters.
B)hormones.
C)action potentials.
D)neuromodulators.

Question 40

Peggy smells a very strong odor; Harry smells an odor that is barely detectable. Based on what is known about neural transmission, you could predict that the action potentials will

A)travel more quickly in Peggy's system because the stimulus is more intense.
B)be weaker in Harry's system because the stimulus is less intense.
C)travel a shorter distance in Peggy's system because the stimulus is more intense.
D)fire more rapidly in Peggy's system because of the stronger stimulus.

Question 41

The somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system comprise the _____ nervous system.

A)central
B)peripheral
C)sympathetic
D)afferent

Question 42

The neurotransmitter(s) released by motor neurons that results in movement of the voluntary muscles is(are) ​

A)endorphins.
B)monoamines.
C)acetylcholine.
D)dopamine.

Question 43

GABA produces

A)only inhibitory postsynaptic potentials.
B)only excitatory postsynaptic potentials.
C)both inhibitory and excitatory postsynaptic potentials.
D)a "runner's high."

Question 44

People sometimes report a feeling of euphoria following a period of vigorous exercise. This is MOST likely due to the effects of ​

A)endorphins.
B)dopamine.
C)acetylcholine.
D)norepinephrine.

Question 45

_____ nerves transmit information to the central nervous system, while _____ nerves carry out instructions from the central nervous system. ​

A)Afferent; efferent
B)Motor; sensory
C)Somatic; autonomic
D)Autonomic; skeletal

Question 46

Nerves outside the skull and spine comprise the ​

A)peripheral nervous system.
B)vascular nervous system.
C)vagus nervous system.
D)skeletal nervous system.

Question 47

Opiate drugs bind onto the same receptor sites as the body's own endorphins. Therefore, opiate drugs tend to ​

A)reduce anxiety.
B)produce sleepiness.
C)increase anxiety and agitation.
D)relieve pain.

Question 48

Research suggests that the body's endogenous opioids may contribute to all of the following EXCEPT the

A)modulation of eating behavior.
B)regulation of sleep.
C)body's response to stress.
D)modulation of pain.

Question 49

In Parkinsonism, the tremors, muscular rigidity, and reduced control over voluntary movements appears to be a function of ​

A)damage to glia cells. ​
B)degeneration of neurons that use dopamine as a neurotransmitter.
C)agonistic chemical action on the receptor sites of the cerebrum.
D)enzymatic deficiency that does not allow for the proper cleanup of waste products in the nervous system.

Question 50

Abnormalities at norepinephrine and serotonin synapses appear to play a role in which of the following?

A)Hyperactivity
B)Depression
C)H igh anxiety
D)I ncreased appetite

Question 51

Dr. Seelig has just discovered a new drug that produces schizophrenic-like side effects. Dr. Seelig's drug may be acting on which of the following neurotransmitters?

A)Dopamine
B)GABA
C)S erotonin
D)E ndorphins

Question 52

When you are walking, the brain sends messages to the skeletal muscles in the legs by way of _____ fibers.

A)efferent
B)sensory
C)afferent
D)central

Question 53

Dr. Athorp has just discovered a new drug that mimics the effects of GABA. This new drug will likely produce side effects such as

A)general stimulation within the body and an increase in heart rate.
B)anxiety reduction and general relaxation.
C)a reduction in pain and a sense of euphoria.
D)hallucinations and disrupted sleep patterns.

Question 54

Sensory information is carried from your eyes to your brain by way of  _____ fibers.

A)afferent
B)autonomic
C)efferent
D)motor

Question 55

The neurotransmitter believed to be associated with anorexia is

A)dopamine.
B)acetylcholine.
C)endorphin.
D)serotonin.

Question 56

Monoamines have been associated with all of the following EXCEPT ​

A)aggressive behavior.
B)pain reduction.
C)schizophrenia.
D)depression.

Question 57

The two most basic divisions of the nervous system are the ​

A)sympathetic division and the parasympathetic division.
B)central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.
C)somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system.
D)brain and the spinal cord.

Question 58

Some theorists believe that the rewarding effects of most abused drugs depend on ​

A)decreased activity in specific dopamine pathways.
B)decreased activity in specific glutamate pathways.
C)increased activity in specific glutamate pathways.
D)increased activity in specific dopamine pathways.

Question 59

Kesha has just begun taking a new drug for which one of the side effects is sleeplessness. This drug may be acting on her _____ system.

A)serotonin
B)GABA
C)endorphin
D)episodic

Question 60

Which of the following neurotransmitters is NOT a monoamine?

A)Norepinephrine
B)Serotonin
C)Dopamine
D)A cetylcholine

Question 61

Handyman Bob just hit his thumb with a hammer; the sensation will be transmitted to the central nervous system by _____ nerve fibers. ​

A)afferent
B)efferent
C)autonomic
D)sympathetic

Question 62

The _____ fluid nourishes the brain and provides a protective cushion for it. ​

A)amniotic
B)cerebrospinal
C)parasympathetic
D)somatic

Question 63

The _____ nervous system mobilizes the body when one needs to exert tremendous energy (such as to flee from an attacker).

A)somatic
B)central
C)sympathetic
D)parasympathetic

Question 64

Destroying a piece of brain tissue to observe its effect on behavior is referred to as

A)ESB.
B)lesioning.
C)tumor ligation.
D)stereotaxic inversion.

Question 65

Electrical stimulation of its lateral hypothalamus causes an animal to overeat and become obese. Therefore, we would expect that lesioning the lateral hypothalamus would produce ​

A)overeating and obesity.
B)undereating and weight loss.
C)no effect on eating or body weight.
D)alternating periods of overeating and undereating.

Question 66

The central nervous system consists of the

A)body's sensory and motor neurons.
B)brain and the spinal cord.
C)somatic and autonomic nervous systems.
D)sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.

Question 67

The brain-imaging method that uses multiple X-rays to generate a picture of a horizontal slice of the brain is ​

A)an electroencephalograph.
B)computerized tomography.
C)stereotaxic instrumentation.
D)EKG.

Question 68

The _____ is MOST likely to be in control of bodily processes during periods of rest and recovery for the body.

A)somatic nervous system
B)sympathetic nervous system
C)parasympathetic nervous system
D)hypothalamus

Question 69

Sigourney's doctors think she might have a tumor, and they would like to use a brain-imaging technique that will provide them with an accurate image of her brain structure.  They are MOST likely to use

A)a positron emission tomography (PET)scan.
B)a computerized tomography (CT)scan.
C)electrical stimulation of the brain (ESB).
D)an electroencephalograph (EEG)recording.

Question 70

The part of the nervous system that controls digestion and blood flow is the _____ nervous system.

A)somatic
B)motor
C)sensory
D)autonomic

Question 71

Sam is highly relaxed. His blood pressure and heart rate are lower than usual. This relaxation response was MOST likely the result of activity in his _____ nervous system.

A)somatic
B)sympathetic
C)parasympathetic
D)central

Question 72

While the _____ nervous system is associated with conserving bodily resources, the _____ nervous system mobilizes the body's resources for emergencies. ​

A)parasympathetic; sympathetic
B)sympathetic; parasympathetic
C)peripheral; central
D)central; peripheral

Question 73

Which of the following individuals is likely to be at the HIGHEST level of sympathetic arousal? ​

A)Melissa, who is daydreaming and staring out the window
B)Keith, who is concentrating on a lecturer and taking careful notes
C)Professor Trong, who is lecturing
D)Bill, who is anticipating an exam he will take within the hour and for which he is unprepared

Question 74

The movement of voluntary skeletal muscles involved in doing calisthenics is under the control of the _____ nervous system.

A)somatic
B)parasympathetic
C)sympathetic
D)autonomic

Question 75

The technique in which radioactive markers are introduced into the brain and then equipment monitors where the chemicals appear in the brain is ​

A)computerized tomography.
B)positron emission tomography.
C)magnetic resonance imaging.
D)electrographic tomography.

Question 76

Which of the following research techniques is LEAST likely to be used to study the human brain?

A)E lectrical stimulation
B)M agnetic resonance imaging
C)L esioning
D)Positron emission tomography

Question 77

The fight-or-flight response is a direct result of activation of the _____ nervous system.

A)afferent
B)efferent
C)sympathetic
D)parasympathetic

Question 78

Electrical stimulation of the brain involves ​

A)sending a weak electric current into a brain structure to stimulate or activate the structure.
B)monitoring the electrical activity of the brain over time.
C)visualizing the three-dimensional structure of the brain.
D)destroying a piece of the brain.

Question 79

Edmund was walking down a dark street when he heard a car backfire. His heart started to race and he began to perspire in response to this sudden, startling noise. These physical reactions were triggered by Edmund's ​

A)parasympathetic nervous system.
B)somatic nervous system.
C)sympathetic nervous system.
D)cerebellum.

Question 80

The heart, glands, and smooth muscles are controlled by the _____ nervous system.

A)afferent
B)somatic
C)efferent
D)autonomic