Deck 2: The Biology of Behavior

Question 1

An axon is

A) a cell that serves as the basic building block of the nervous system.
B) a layer of fatty tissue that encases the fibers of many neurons.
C) a molecule that blocks neurotransmitter receptor sites.
D) the extension of a neuron that carries messages away from the cell body.

Answer 1

the extension of a neuron that carries messages away from the cell body.

Question 2

Dendrite is to ________ as axon is to _________.

A) sensory neuron;motor neuron
B) sodium ion;potassium ion
C) signal reception;signal transmission
D) central nervous system;peripheral nervous system

Answer 2

signal reception;signal transmission

Question 3

The function of dendrites is to

A) receive incoming signals from other neurons.
B) release neurotransmitters into the spatial junctions between neurons.
C) coordinate the activation of the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems.
D) control pain through the release of opiate-like chemicals into the brain.

Answer 3

receive incoming signals from other neurons.

Question 4

The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates correctly located the mind in the

A) brain.
B) heart.
C) stomach.
D) thyroid gland.

Question 5

In transmitting sensory information to the brain,an electrical signal travels from the ________ of a single neuron.

A) dendrites to the axon to the cell body
B) axon to the cell body to the dendrites
C) dendrites to the cell body to the axon
D) axon to the dendrites to the cell body

Question 6

Plasticity refers to the brain's capacity to change by forming new neural pathways based on

A) refractory periods.
B) localization of function.
C) experience.
D) reuptake.

Question 7

Phrenology highlighted the presumed functions of

A) specific brain regions.
B) synaptic gaps.
C) endorphins.
D) the myelin sheath.

Question 8

A biological psychologist would be most interested in conducting research on the relationship between

A) neurotransmitters and depression.
B) age and bone density.
C) self-esteem and popularity.
D) genetics and eye color.

Question 9

Blind echolocation experts who can use the brain's visual centers to process auditory signals best illustrate the value of

A) plasticity.
B) reuptake.
C) endorphins.
D) refractory periods.

Question 10

Dendrites are branching extensions of

A) neurotransmitters.
B) endorphins.
C) neurons.
D) glial cells.

Question 11

Many years of intensive guitar practice have led to changes in Karyasa's motor cortex that enable her skilled finger movements.This best illustrates the value of

A) reuptake.
B) echolocation.
C) plasticity.
D) localization of function.

Question 12

The person most likely to suggest that the shape of a person's skull indicates the extent to which that individual is argumentative and aggressive would be a

A) neurologist.
B) behavior geneticist.
C) psychoanalyst.
D) phrenologist.

Question 13

Although phrenology incorrectly suggested that bumps on the skull revealed a person's character traits,phrenology did succeed in focusing attention on

A) synaptic gaps.
B) action potentials.
C) the localization of function.
D) endorphins.

Question 14

Who proposed that phrenology could reveal mental abilities and character traits?

A) Franz Gall
B) Plato
C) Aristotle
D) Daniel Kish

Question 15

The part of the neuron that contains the nucleus is called the

A) cell body.
B) dendrite.
C) axon.
D) myelin sheath.

Question 16

The capacity of a brain area to develop new neural pathways as it adjusts to good and bad experiences is known as

A) phrenology.
B) dendrites.
C) an action potential.
D) plasticity.

Question 17

Neurons are best described as

A) positively charged sodium and potassium ions.
B) chemical molecules that cross the synaptic gap.
C) nerve cells that function as the building blocks of the nervous system.
D) bundled axon cables that connect the CNS with muscles,glands,and sense organs.

Question 18

The study of the links between biology and behavior is called

A) neurology.
B) cognitive psychology.
C) endocrinology.
D) biological psychology.

Question 19

Dr.Wolski conducts research on the relationship between neurotransmitter deficiencies and mood states.Dr.Wolski's research focus is most characteristic of

A) tomography.
B) biological psychology.
C) psychoanalysis.
D) cognitive psychology.

Question 20

We live in a family that resides in a community that is part of a larger society.This demonstrates that we are

A) biological systems.
B) impressionable systems.
C) neurological systems.
D) biopsychosocial systems.

Question 21

Neurons generate electricity from a chemical process involving the exchange of

A) ions.
B) enzymes.
C) cortisol.
D) oxytocin.

Question 22

A myelin sheath is a

A) nerve network within the spinal cord that controls physical arousal.
B) large band of neural fibers connecting the two adrenal glands.
C) layer of fatty tissue encasing the axons of some nerve cells.
D) bushy extension of a neuron that conducts impulses toward the cell body.

Question 23

The loss of the inside/outside electrical charge difference is called

A) selectively permeable.
B) a resting potential.
C) depolarization.
D) an action potential.

Question 24

An ion is a(n)

A) nerve cell.
B) layer of fatty tissue that insulates axons and speeds their impulses.
C) cell that provides nutrients.
D) electrically charged atom.

Question 25

A state in which the fluid outside an axon has a mostly positive charge and the fluid inside the axon has a mostly negative charge is called

A) the action potential.
B) the resting potential.
C) the refractory period.
D) depolarization.

Question 26

A brief electrical charge that travels down the axon of a neuron is called the

A) synapse.
B) agonist.
C) action potential.
D) refractory period.

Question 27

The depolarization of a neural membrane creates a(n)

A) action potential.
B) myelin sheath.
C) neural network.
D) interneuron.

Question 28

A resting axon's fluid interior contains both large,negatively charged ________ ions and smaller,positively charged ________ ions.

A) potassium;sodium
B) sodium;protein
C) potassium;protein
D) protein;potassium

Question 29

Mathematical computations by a computer are faster than your quickest mathematical computations because the top speed of a neural impulse is about ________ times slower than the speed of electricity through the wired circuitry in a computer.

A) 3 hundred
B) 3 thousand
C) 3 hundred thousand
D) 3 million

Question 30

The fact that only positively charged sodium ions enter the neuron when it fires demonstrates that neurons are

A) resting.
B) selectively permeable.
C) depolarized.
D) inhibitory.

Question 31

The longest part of a motor neuron is likely to be the

A) dendrite.
B) axon.
C) cell body.
D) synapse.

Question 32

The speed at which a neural impulse travels is increased when the axon is encased by a(n)

A) endorphin.
B) myelin sheath.
C) glial cell.
D) synaptic vesicle.

Question 33

Degeneration of the myelin sheath results in

A) reuptake.
B) multiple sclerosis.
C) the fight-or-flight response.
D) an action potential.

Question 34

One function of glial cells is to

A) increase the speed of neural impulses.
B) mimic the effects of neurotransmitters.
C) provide nutrients to neurons.
D) stimulate the production of hormones.

Question 35

A resting axon's fluid interior has a mostly negative charge thanks to the presence of large ________ ions.

A) sodium
B) serotonin
C) protein
D) dopamine

Question 36

The resting potential of an axon results from the fact that the axon's surface is

A) encased by a myelin sheath.
B) selectively permeable.
C) sensitive to neurotransmitter molecules.
D) part of a larger neural network.

Question 37

Neurons are surrounded by ________,which guide neural connections and mop up ions and neurotransmitters.

A) endorphins
B) glial cells
C) hormones
D) agonists

Question 38

An action potential is generated by the movement of ________ through an axon membrane.

A) glial cells
B) glands
C) neurotransmitters
D) ions

Question 39

Which brain cells play a role in learning,thinking,and memory by communicating with neurons?

A) endorphins
B) glial cells
C) agonists
D) myelin cells

Question 40

Gerald has experienced increasing difficulties with muscle weakness,motor coordination,and body balance,which physicians have attributed to multiple sclerosis.These symptoms are most likely to be directly linked with the degeneration of

A) endorphins.
B) synaptic gaps.
C) the pituitary gland.
D) the myelin sheath.

Question 41

A synapse is a(n)

A) chemical messenger that triggers muscle contractions.
B) automatic response to sensory input.
C) junction between a sending neuron and a receiving neuron.
D) neural cable containing many axons.

Question 42

With regard to the process of neural transmission,a refractory period refers to a time interval in which

A) chemical messengers cross synaptic gaps between neurons.
B) a neurotransmitter is reabsorbed by a sending neuron.
C) an action potential cannot occur.
D) an organism reflexively withdraws from a pain stimulus.

Question 43

A slap on the back is more painful than a pat on the back because a slap triggers

A) the release of endorphins.
B) more intense neural impulses.
C) the release of GABA.
D) more neurons to fire,and to fire more often.

Question 44

An action potential involves the temporary ________ through an axon membrane.

A) inflow of positively charged ions
B) inflow of negatively charged ions
C) outflow of positively charged ions
D) outflow of negatively charged ions

Question 45

Sir Charles Sherrington observed that impulses took an unexpectedly long time to travel a neural pathway.His observation provided evidence for the existence of

A) antagonists.
B) synaptic gaps.
C) interneurons.
D) neural networks.

Question 46

When an action potential reaches the end of an axon,an electrical impulse is then converted into a

A) myelin sheath.
B) reflexive response.
C) chemical message.
D) glial cell.

Question 47

The chemical messengers released into the spatial junctions between neurons are called

A) hormones.
B) neurotransmitters.
C) synapses.
D) genes.

Question 48

An electrical current traveling down a wire is to ________ as an electrical current not moving is to ________.

A) excitatory;inhibitory
B) action potential;resting potential
C) inhibitory;excitatory
D) resting potential;action potential

Question 49

As positively charged sodium ions enter the axon,_______ flow(s)out to repolarize part of the axon.

A) the action potential
B) potassium ions
C) a neural impulse
D) glial cells

Question 50

If the ________ occurs at an electrical charge of about -70 millivolts,the ________ is most likely to occur at a charge of about +40 millivolts.

A) action potential;resting potential
B) resting potential;threshold
C) threshold;resting potential
D) resting potential;action potential

Question 51

The axon of a sending neuron is separated from the dendrite of a receiving neuron by a

A) myelin sheath.
B) neural network.
C) glial cell.
D) synaptic gap.

Question 52

Reuptake refers to the

A) movement of neurotransmitter molecules across a synaptic gap.
B) release of hormones into the bloodstream.
C) inflow of positively charged ions through an axon membrane.
D) reabsorption of excess neurotransmitter molecules by a sending neuron.

Question 53

Excitatory signals to a neuron must exceed inhibitory signals by a minimum intensity in order to trigger

A) reuptake.
B) a refractory period.
C) an action potential.
D) selective permeability.

Question 54

Neuron-produced chemicals that carry messages to other neurons or to muscles and glands are called

A) synapses.
B) interneurons.
C) dendrites.
D) neurotransmitters.

Question 55

A neuron's reaction of either firing at full strength or not firing at all is described as

A) an all-or-none response.
B) a refractory period.
C) the resting potential.
D) a reflexive response.

Question 56

An action potential would be triggered if neuron stimulation caused the electrical charge to go above which threshold?

A) +40 mV
B) -55 mV
C) -70 mV
D) +20 mV

Question 57

Neurotransmitters are released from knob-like terminals at the end of the

A) dendrites.
B) cell body.
C) axon.
D) myelin sheath.

Question 58

Increasing excitatory signals above the threshold for neural activation will not affect the intensity of an action potential.This indicates that a neuron's reaction is

A) inhibited by the myelin sheath.
B) delayed by a refractory period.
C) an all-or-none response.
D) dependent on neurotransmitter molecules.

Question 59

Following depolarization,the sodium/potassium pump transports ________ ions ________ a neuron.

A) positively charged;into
B) negatively charged;into
C) positively charged;out of
D) negatively charged;out of

Question 60

The minimum level of stimulation required to trigger a neural impulse is called the

A) reflex.
B) threshold.
C) synapse.
D) action potential.

Question 61

Any drug molecule that occupies a neurotransmitter receptor site and blocks the neurotransmitter's effect is a(n)

A) glutamate.
B) agonist.
C) opiate.
D) antagonist.

Question 62

Endorphin agonists are likely to ________ one's immediate pain,and endorphin antagonists are likely to ________ one's immediate pain.

A) decrease;increase
B) increase;decrease
C) increase;increase
D) decrease;decrease

Question 63

Sophia has taken an opiate drug that makes her feel "high" by increasing her normal sensation of pleasure.The drug she took was a(n)

A) acetylcholine.
B) endorphin.
C) agonist.
D) antagonist.

Question 64

Which of the following is an opiate that elevates mood and eases pain?

A) dopamine
B) acetylcholine
C) morphine
D) glutamate

Question 65

Which neurotransmitter influences movement,learning,attention,and emotion?

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

Question 66

Carla has been doing aerobic exercise daily for over three years.The release of _____ can help explain why she feels good after exercising.

A) agonists
B) neurons
C) endorphins
D) antagonists

Question 67

Any drug molecule that blocks the reuptake of a neurotransmitter is a(n)

A) steroid.
B) agonist.
C) endorphin.
D) antagonist.

Question 68

Botulin poisoning from improperly canned food causes paralysis by blocking the release of

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

Question 69

Madison is experiencing symptoms of paralysis after eating food contaminated by botulin.Her paralysis is most likely to be relieved by a drug that functions as a(n)

A) ACh agonist.
B) serotonin agonist.
C) ACh antagonist.
D) serotonin antagonist.

Question 70

Jason's intensely uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms following heroin use were probably due in part to a reduction of his body's normal production of

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

Question 71

Opiate drugs ________ neural activity and temporarily ________ pain and anxiety.

A) depress;increase
B) accelerate;decrease
C) depress;decrease
D) accelerate;increase

Question 72

Endorphins are

A) neurotransmitters.
B) sex hormones.
C) endocrine glands.
D) glial cells.

Question 73

Opiate drugs occupy the same receptor sites as

A) serotonin.
B) endorphins.
C) dopamine.
D) epinephrine.

Question 74

José has just played a long,bruising football game but feels little fatigue or discomfort.His lack of pain is most likely caused by the release of

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

Question 75

A drug molecule that increases a neurotransmitter's action is called a(n)

A) antagonist.
B) endorphin.
C) agonist.
D) steroid.

Question 76

The number of neurotransmitter molecules located within a specific synaptic gap would most clearly be reduced by

A) an action potential.
B) ACh-producing neurons.
C) acupuncture.
D) reuptake.

Question 77

The "runner's high" can be explained by the release of

A) agonists.
B) neurons.
C) endorphins.
D) antagonists.

Question 78

Which neurotransmitter plays the most direct role in learning and memory?

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

Question 79

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that

A) causes sleepiness.
B) lessens physical pain.
C) reduces depressed moods.
D) triggers muscle contractions.

Question 80

The body's natural production of endorphins is likely to be

A) increased by heroin use and increased by vigorous exercise.
B) decreased by heroin use and decreased by vigorous exercise.
C) increased by heroin use and decreased by vigorous exercise.
D) decreased by heroin use and increased by vigorous exercise.