Deck 2: Neuroscience and Biological Foundations

Question 1

Rosa has multiple sclerosis, a degenerative disorder that causes myelin to disintegrate. What effect will this have on Rosa's nerve impulses?

A) They will slow down.
B) They will be stopped in the soma.
C) They will speed up.
D) None of these options

Answer 1

They will slow down.

Question 2

What part(s) of the cell receive incoming messages?

A) Axons and cell body
B) Dendrites and axons
C) Dendrites and cell body
D) Axons

Answer 2

Dendrites and cell body

Question 3

The subarea of psychology that studies applying the principles of evolution to explain behavioral and mental processes is called ____.

A) biopsychocognition
B) behavioral biology
C) evolutionary psychology
D) biobehaviorism

Answer 3

evolutionary psychology

Question 4

The branching neuron structures that receive neural impulses from other neurons and convey them toward the cell body are called _____.

A) myelin sheaths
B) axon buttons
C) dendrites
D) nerves

Question 5

Neurotransmitters perform different functions, such as:

A) regulating the actions of glands and muscles
B) inhibiting repressed memories from being formed
C) promoting digestion of food
D) all of the above

Question 6

The long tube-like structure that conveys impulses away from the cell body toward other neurons, muscles, or glands is called a(n) _____.

A) dendrite
B) soma
C) myelin sheath
D) axon

Question 7

Neurotransmitters are __________.

A) released from the terminal button of a cell
B) responsible for electrical communication within a cell
C) part of the "powerhouse" of a cell
D) all of the above

Question 8

Which of the following is TRUE of the cell body?

A) It accepts incoming information from dendrites.
B) It determines whether the neuron should fire and pass on information to the axon.
C) It contains the cell nucleus.
D) All of these options

Question 9

The tips of the branches of the axon are called _____.

A) dendrites
B) terminal buttons
C) soma
D) mitochondria

Question 10

The branches of the neuron that receive neural impulses from other neurons are called _____, and the tube-like structure that conveys impulses toward other neurons is called the _____.

A) somas; axon
B) dendrites; axon
C) axons; dendrite
D) dendrites; soma

Question 11

An impulse travels through the structures of the neuron in the following order:

A) cell body, axon, dendrites
B) axon, dendrites, cell body
C) dendrites, cell body, axon
D) axon, cell body, dendrites

Question 12

The _____ is another name for the cell body.

A) ganglia
B) soma
C) nerve
D) cell

Question 13

The basic units of the brain and spinal cord that process, store, and transmit information are the _____.

A) neurons
B) neurotransmitters
C) synapses
D) myelin

Question 14

The cells that provide structural, nutritional, and other support for neurons are called _____ cells.

A) nerve
B) axon
C) glial
D) dendrite

Question 15

The BEST definition of the myelin sheath is a _____.

A) protein membrane that increases the electrical receptivity of axons
B) fatty substance that collects inside axons, slowing the rate of an action potential
C) fatty insulation wrapped around some axons that increases the rate at which impulse travel along the axon
D) protein that converts food into energy within the nucleus of a neuron

Question 16

The scientific study of the effects of heredity and environment on behavior and mental processes is called _______.

A) biopsychocognition
B) behavioral biology
C) behavioral genetics
D) biobehaviorism

Question 17

What is the basic function of a neuron?

A) To maintain the structure of the brain
B) To connect the spine with the hands and feet
C) To release chemicals into the blood stream
D) To transmit information to and from the brain and spinal cord

Question 18

Lynn has a disease called multiple sclerosis. This disease makes her muscle coordination difficult. Multiple sclerosis results from _____.

A) a lack of electrolytes in the brain
B) fatty mitochondria
C) two nuclei in some neurons
D) progressive deterioration of the myelin sheath

Question 19

One important difference between a myelinated and unmyelinated axon is _____.

A) the neural impulse is faster in the myelinated axon
B) the neural impulse is faster in the unmyelinated axon
C) only the myelinated axons have nodes
D) the unmyelinated axons are heavier

Question 20

A neuron is _____.

A) the part of a nerve cell that receives information.
B) the part of a nerve cell that sends information.
C) the part of a nerve cell that creates energy.
D) a cell of the nervous system responsible for receiving and transmitting electrochemical information.

Question 21

Certain forms of depression are related to lowered levels of _____.

A) acetylcholine
B) dopamine
C) GABA
D) serotonin

Question 22

Communication within neurons is _____, whereas communication between neurons is _____.

A) electrical; chemical
B) unmyelinated; myelinated
C) chemical; electrical
D) very slow; very fast

Question 23

A chemical substance in the nervous system that is involved in pain control, pleasure, and memory is _____.

A) morphine
B) epinephrine
C) endorphins
D) acetylcholine

Question 24

When an axon is not stimulated, it is in a polarized state called _____.

A) steady state
B) homeostasis
C) the resting potential
D) super-polarized

Question 25

What type(s) of messages can one neuron deliver to another?

A) Excitatory
B) Inhibitory
C) Both excitatory and inhibitory
D) Compound

Question 26

Communication within a cell is _________.

A) electrical
B) caused by hardening of the cell membrane
C) both electrical and chemical
D) chemical

Question 27

This neurotransmitter's major role is to inhibit neural transmissions in the central nervous system.

A) Acetylcholine
B) Dopamine
C) GABA
D) Norepinephrine

Question 28

Your textbook's definition of an action potential is _____.

A) the likelihood that a neuron will take action when stimulated
B) the tendency for a neuron to be potentiated by neurotransmitters
C) a neural impulse that carries information along the axon of a neuron
D) the firing of a nerve, either toward or away from the brain

Question 29

When the neuron is at its resting potential, the fluid inside the axon:

A) has more negatively charged ions than the fluid outside
B) has more positively charged ions than the fluid outside
C) has an equal number of negatively and positively charged ions outside
D) does not have any negative or positive ions

Question 30

Your body has designed a traffic signal for action potentials traveling from one neuron to another. In this system, the red light represents _____.

A) an excitatory neurotransmitter
B) an inhibitory neurotransmitter
C) a combination of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters
D) none of these options; once started, an action potential never stops

Question 31

__________ help explain why soldiers and athletes continue to fight, despite horrific injuries.

A) GABA
B) Acetylcholine
C) Endorphins
D) Glutamate

Question 32

Which of the following neurotransmitters plays a role in memory?

A) Acetylcholine
B) Dopamine
C) Norepinephrine
D) All of these options

Question 33

Chemical messengers that are released by axons and stimulate dendrites on another neuron are called _____.

A) synaptic messengers
B) neurotransmitters
C) synaptic transmitters
D) neuromessengers

Question 34

This neurotransmitter is suspected of playing a role in Alzheimer's disease.

A) Acetylcholine
B) Dopamine
C) GABA
D) Norepinephrine

Question 35

Too much of this neurotransmitter may be related to schizophrenia, whereas too little of this neurotransmitter may be related to Parkinson's disease.

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

Question 36

Among other behaviors, this neurotransmitter also affects sleep, appetite, and emotional states.

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

Question 37

Neurotransmitters are _____.

A) chemicals that cross the synaptic gap and bind to receptors on another neuron
B) excitatory chemicals that make it more likely that a neuron will fire
C) inhibitory chemicals that make it less likely that a neuron will fire
D) all of these options

Question 38

Most poisons and drugs act at the _________ by replacing, decreasing, or enhancing the amount of neurotransmitter.

A) soma
B) cell
C) synapse
D) all of the above

Question 39

Your textbook likens the depolarization and repolarization of a neuron that fires to ________.

A) the wave done by the crowds at a sports event
B) a door opening and closing
C) a tree bending in the wind
D) a car speeding up and slowing down

Question 40

Michael J. Fox has Parkinson's disease. Parkinson;s disease results from:

A) too little serotonin
B) too much dopamine
C) too little dopamine
D) too much serotonin

Question 41

Replacing lost cells in the brain with new cells is called ________.

A) neuroplasticity
B) neuroformulation
C) neurokinesis
D) neurogenesis

Question 42

If you run a marathon, your body will release _____ to elevate your mood and reduce your pain.

A) lactic acid
B) epinephrine
C) norepinephrine
D) endorphins

Question 43

Sal had a severe stroke that left him unable to talk for a year. However, during the second year, he gradually regained his ability to speak. What is the most probable explanation for what happened?

A) The neurons regenerated
B) Neurons split to form new neurons
C) Stem cells initiated the formation of new cells
D) The brain rerouted the neurons around the damaged area

Question 44

In your text, the analogy was presented that neurotransmission at the synapse is like _____, whereas hormonal communication is like _____.

A) a drug; a vitamin
B) an individual message; a global email
C) a global email; an individual message
D) a classroom; television

Question 45

Neuroplasticity refers to the ability of the brain to change its _____ in response to environmental conditions.

A) shape, weight, and size
B) structure and function
C) basic organization
D) all of these options

Question 46

Endogenous opioid peptides are called ______.

A) neurotransmitters
B) endorphins
C) morphine
D) curare

Question 47

The link between the brain and the spinal cord and the rest of the body's sense receptors, muscles, and glands is the _____ nervous system.

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

Question 48

The central nervous system (CNS) has two main divisions. What are they?

A) Local and non-local
B) The brain and nervous system
C) Head and body
D) The brain and spinal cord

Question 49

Drugs act at the synapse by _____.

A) causing the action potential to fire
B) replacing, decreasing, or enhancing the amount of neurotransmitter
C) initiating the graded potential
D) acting to enhance the amount of neurotransmitters

Question 50

The class of neurotransmitters known as endorphins function to ______.

A) elevate mood
B) reduce pain
C) affect memory and learning
D) all of the above

Question 51

What is the main function of our nervous system?

A) To convey information
B) To keep us safe
C) To regulate our heartbeat and respiration
D) To help us communicate with others

Question 52

The two major divisions of the nervous system are the _____.

A) anterior and posterior
B) central and peripheral
C) chemical and mechanical
D) autonomic and anomic

Question 53

A synapse is _____.

A) the gap between the brain and the skull that contains cerebrospinal fluid
B) the gap between neurons
C) the vestibule that contains neurotransmitters
D) the place where neurotransmitters exchange ionic molecules

Question 54

The brain and the spinal cord make up the:

A) PNS
B) CNS
C) endocrine system
D) sympathetic nervous system

Question 55

Chemicals that are manufactured by endocrine glands and circulated in the bloodstream to change or maintain bodily functions are called _____.

A) vasopressors
B) gonadotropins
C) hormones
D) steroids

Question 56

Growth, reproduction, moods, and our responses to stress are all controlled by our _____.

A) neurotransmitters
B) endorphins
C) hormones
D) teachers

Question 57

Excess neurotransmitters left in the synapse after an action potential _______.

A) are absorbed back into the sending neuron
B) stay in the synapse waiting for the next action potential
C) are broken down by enzymes
D) both a and c

Question 58

A collection of glands found throughout the body that manufacture and secrete hormones into the bloodstream in order to effect behavioral change or maintain normal bodily functions is called the _____.

A) nervous system
B) alimentary system
C) endocrine system
D) hypothalamus

Question 59

The central nervous system _____.

A) consists of the brain and spinal cord
B) is the most important and best nervous system
C) includes the automatic and other nervous systems
D) all of these options

Question 60

The peripheral nervous system _____.

A) is composed of the spinal cord and peripheral nerves
B) is less important than the central nervous system
C) is contained within the skull and spinal column
D) includes all the nerves and neurons outside the brain and spinal cord

Question 61

Anna hears her teacher ask a question she knows the answer to, so she raises her hand so she can speak. Which division of the nervous system was responsible for her hand going up?

A) Sympathetic nervous system
B) Autonomic nervous system
C) Somatic nervous system
D) Parasympathetic nervous system

Question 62

The sympathetic and parasympathetic systems are branches of the _____ nervous system.

A) somatic
B) central
C) cardinal
D) autonomic

Question 63

The _____ nervous system is responsible for fight or flight, whereas the _____ nervous system is responsible for maintaining calm.

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

Question 64

An impulse that travels inward from a sensory fiber to the spinal cord, then outward to a muscle fiber, is called a(n) _____.

A) inhibitory potential
B) sensory-motor arc
C) excitatory potential
D) reflex arc

Question 65

Lightly stroking the sole of an infant's feet and seeing the toes fan out and the foot turn in is initiating the _____ reflex.

A) eagle
B) Babinski
C) rooting
D) Bondrovsky

Question 66

Stimulating the _____ increases aggressive behavior.

A) amygdala
B) cerebellum
C) fornix
D) medulla

Question 67

The _____ nervous system is responsible for involuntary tasks, whereas the _____ nervous system is responsible for voluntary tasks.

A) autonomic; somatic
B) somatic; autonomic
C) central; peripheral
D) peripheral; central

Question 68

The spinal cord is found inside the spinal column, and is involved in _____.

A) relaying neural information from the body to the brain
B) relaying neural information from the brain to the body
C) reflexes
D) all of these options

Question 69

In the future, _____ may be used to treat injury, disease, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, diabetes, epilepsy, stress, and strokes.

A) dopamine
B) neuroplasticity
C) stem cells
D) serotonin

Question 70

The somatic nervous system is made up of _____.

A) nerves that connect to sensory receptors and control skeletal muscles
B) the spinal cord and interneurons in the spine
C) the nerves that maintain the functioning of the glands, heart muscles, and other smooth muscles
D) all of these options

Question 71

The generation of new neurons is called _____.

A) split-brain genesis
B) stem cell production
C) neuroplasticity
D) neurogenesis

Question 72

A possible future treatment to help those paralyzed from spinal cord injuries to walk again is ______.

A) neural transmission
B) stem cell transplants
C) split cell production
D) neuroplastic implants

Question 73

The autonomic nervous system is subdivided into two branches called the _____ and _____ systems.

A) automatic; semi-automatic
B) somatic; peripheral
C) afferent; efferent
D) sympathetic; parasympathetic

Question 74

Diane got very angry at Chris, and they argued over dinner. Afterward, Diane had a stomach ache. This was probably because:

A) her sympathetic nervous system activated and shut down digestion during the argument
B) her parasympathetic nervous system activated and shut down digestion during the argument
C) her endocrine system sent out too many hormones to her stomach
D) her central nervous system signaled for too much acid to be produced in her stomach

Question 75

Three structures associated with the brain stem are the _____.

A) thalamus, amygdala, and hippocampus
B) motor control, sensory, and projection areas
C) pons, medulla, and cerebellum
D) cerebrum, cerebellum, and corpus callosum

Question 76

You have just touched a hot mug of coffee. Your hand immediately and reflexively pulls away. This action was controlled by your _____.

A) peripheral nervous system
B) spinal cord
C) brain
D) all of these options

Question 77

Sensory neurons carry messages _____ the central nervous system; motor neurons carry messages _____ the central nervous system.

A) to; to
B) away from; to
C) away from; away from
D) to; away from

Question 78

Movements that are initiated by an external stimulus and bypass input from your brain are called _____.

A) neurogenesis
B) neuroplasticity
C) reuptake
D) reflexes

Question 79

The peripheral nervous system is made up of the______ nervous systems.

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

Question 80

_____ are the immature precursors that give birth to new, specialized cells.

A) Stem cells
B) Dendrites
C) Axons
D) Neurogenic cells