Question 1

The nervous system is comprised of two major parts - the ________.

Accepted Answer

The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and the spinal cord, while the peripheral nervous system (PNS) includes all of the nerves that branch off from the CNS and extend to the rest of the body. Therefore, A is the correct answer as it identifies the two major parts of the nervous system. B only identifies two specific structures in the nervous system, C divides the nervous system into two types of neurons, and D describes subdivisions within the PNS.

Question 2

Undifferentiated precursor cells that, under the right conditions, can give rise to any specialized cell in the body are called ________ cells.

Accepted Answer

Undifferentiated precursor cells that can give rise to any specialized cell in the body are called stem cells. These cells have the ability to self-renew and differentiate into various types of cells, such as muscle, nerve, or blood cells. Stem cells play a crucial role in development, tissue repair, and regeneration, and are of great interest for medical research and clinical applications. Receptor cells are specialized cells that detect and respond to specific stimuli, such as light or sound. Glial cells are non-neuronal cells in the nervous system that provide support and protection to neurons. T-cells are a type of white blood cell that plays a central role in the immune response.

Question 3

After drinking several cups of strong coffee, a person develops "coffee nerves" or "jitters." This probably is due to the ability of caffeine to ________.

Accepted Answer

Caffeine is known to block adenosine receptor sites in the brain. Adenosine is a neurotransmitter that promotes sleep and suppresses arousal. By blocking the adenosine receptors, caffeine promotes increased arousal and alertness, leading to the "coffee nerves" or "jitters."

Question 4

Caffeine arouses people by blocking the receptors for ________.

Accepted Answer

Caffeine blocks the receptors for adenosine, which is a neurotransmitter that signals the brain to feel tired and sleepy. By blocking these receptors, caffeine causes a feeling of arousal and alertness.

Question 5

The poison of the black widow spider works by causing an outpouring of ________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The poison of the black widow spider...

Question 6

In recent research, Rosenweig found that a stimulating environment results in larger neurons with more synaptic connections ________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In recent research, Rosenweig found that a...

Question 7

Despite its dangers, a young man continues to take cocaine because of the feelings of euphoria it produces for him. This powerful arousal of his nervous system is probably due to cocaine's ability to ________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Despite its dangers, a young man continues...

Question 8

The central nervous system contains about ________ percent of the body's neurons.

Accepted Answer

The central nervous system (which includes the brain and spinal cord) contains about 90% of the body's neurons. The remaining 10% of neurons are located in the peripheral nervous system.

Question 9

The two main components of the human nervous system are the ________ nervous system and the ________ nervous system.

Accepted Answer

The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord, while the peripheral nervous system includes all of the nerves outside of the CNS that carry signals to and from the CNS. Therefore, A is the best choice since it accurately describes these two main components. B and C are incorrect because they describe specific parts of the nervous system rather than the two main components, and D is not specific enough since the autonomic nervous system is part of the peripheral nervous system.

Question 10

Before birth, human embryos have a large supply of cells known as ________ cells, which are capable of becoming neurons.

Accepted Answer

The cells capable of becoming neurons are known as stem cells. Therefore, the correct choice is D. Schwann cells are a type of glial cell that is responsible for producing the myelin sheath around axons. Mast cells are involved in the immune response and allergy reactions. While glial cells can support and protect neurons, they are not capable of becoming neurons themselves.

Question 11

The brain and spinal cord contain about ________ percent of the body's neurons.

Accepted Answer

The brain and spinal cord, which make up the central nervous system, contain about 90 percent of the body's neurons. This highlights the high concentration of neurons in these areas, crucial for processing and transmitting information throughout the body.

Question 12

In research with human patients suffering from Parkinson's disease, fetal nerve cell transplants ________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In research with human patients suffering from...

Question 13

The peripheral nervous system contains about ________ percent of the body's neurons.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The peripheral nervous system contains about ________...

Question 14

The toxin produced by the micro-organism that causes botulism prevents the release of ________.

Accepted Answer

The toxin produced by the micro-organism that causes botulism prevents the release of acetylcholine, leading to paralysis of muscles.

Question 15

Antipsychotic medications help reduce schizophrenic hallucinations by ________.

Accepted Answer

Antipsychotic medications work by blocking or reducing the activity of dopamine in the brain. Schizophrenia is thought to involve an excess of dopamine activity, particularly in areas of the brain involved in perception and reward processing. By preventing dopamine from binding to receptor sites, antipsychotic medications help reduce hallucinations and other symptoms of schizophrenia.

Question 16

Each of the following is true except ________.

Accepted Answer

The statement "plasticity in the brain is limited to changes that affect only motor behaviors" is false. Plasticity in the brain can also affect cognitive and sensory functions, as well as emotional states.

Question 17

The division of the nervous system that consists of the brain and spinal cord is the ________ system.

Accepted Answer

The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord, which are responsible for processing and interpreting information from the rest of the body. The peripheral nervous system consists of all the nerves and ganglia outside of the brain and spinal cord, which relay information to and from the central nervous system. The endocrine system is a separate system responsible for producing and secreting hormones to regulate bodily functions. Therefore, the best choice is D, central nervous system.

Question 18

The division of the nervous system that connects the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body is the ________ system.

Accepted Answer

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is responsible for connecting the brain and spinal cord (which make up the central nervous system) to the rest of the body. The PNS includes cranial nerves, spinal nerves, and their associated ganglia.

Question 19

In tests with animals, stem cells transplanted into a brain or spinal cord ________.

Accepted Answer

In tests with animals, stem cells transplanted into a brain or spinal cord have been observed to migrate to damaged areas and generate specialized neurons for replacement, leading to functional recovery.

Question 20

Research on human brain tissue has found that human brains are ________.

Accepted Answer

Recent research has shown that human brains are indeed capable of neurogenesis throughout adulthood, particularly in the hippocampus region. However, the rate of neurogenesis may decrease with age or certain neurological conditions. Option A and D are incorrect as they suggest that the brain can only undergo neurogenesis during certain developmental stages or not at all, which is not supported by current research. Option B is also incorrect as it suggests that neurogenesis only occurs during adolescence, whereas it can occur throughout adulthood.

Quiz 2: The Biological Basis of Behavior