Question 1

Which of the following is composed of several brain structures, including the hippocampus and the amygdala?

Accepted Answer

The limbic system is composed of several brain structures, including the hippocampus and the amygdala. This system is involved in emotions, motivation, memory, and learning.

Question 2

Linda can sleep through a thunderstorm but wakes up at the slightest cry of her baby, thanks to her

Accepted Answer

The reticular formation is responsible for regulating arousal and sleep-wake transitions. It filters out unimportant sensory information while allowing some to pass through. In Linda's case, her reticular formation may be filtering out the sound of the thunderstorm while allowing the sound of her baby's cry to wake her up.

Question 3

The area of the brain just above the spinal cord is called the

Accepted Answer

The brainstem is the area of the brain just above the spinal cord. This area controls vital functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure, and it also serves as a relay center between the brain and the rest of the body. The amygdala is a structure in the limbic system that plays a key role in emotional processing, while the corpus callosum is a large bundle of nerve fibers that connects the two hemispheres of the brain. The term "brain bulb" is not a commonly used or recognized term in neuroscience.

Question 4

After damage to a part of her brainstem, Reba is unable to perform simple reflexive actions, such as swallowing or coughing. Which part of the brainstem is most likely to have been affected?

Accepted Answer

The medulla oblongata is located at the base of the brainstem and controls many vital reflexes, including swallowing and coughing. Damage to this area can result in an inability to perform these actions. The pons and reticular formation also play important roles in regulating reflexive actions, but damage to these areas is less likely to result in the specific deficits described in the scenario. The cerebellum is primarily involved in coordination and balance, and is not directly responsible for controlling reflexes like swallowing and coughing.

Question 5

Which of the following is not controlled by the medulla?

Accepted Answer

The medulla oblongata controls vital bodily functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing. Arousal is controlled by the reticular activating system, which is located in the brainstem but not specifically in the medulla.

Question 6

The bridge-like structure at the top of the medulla is called the

Accepted Answer

The bridge-like structure at the top of the medulla is called the pons, which is part of the brainstem. The cerebellum is located beneath the pons and helps to regulate movement and balance, while the reticular formation is a network of neurons that play a role in arousal and attention.

Question 7

Electrodes are implanted into the brain of a monkey. If the monkey is behaving aggressively, stimulation of the electrodes causes the monkey to stop. In which of the following areas is the electrode most likely implanted?

Accepted Answer

The hypothalamus is a brain region associated with emotional regulation and aggression. Stimulation of electrodes implanted in the hypothalamus has been shown to reduce aggressive behavior in animals.

Question 8

The amygdala and the hippocampus are two structures that are part of the

Accepted Answer

The amygdala and hippocampus are both part of the limbic system, which is a group of structures in the brain involved in emotion, behavior, and memory formation. The cerebral cortex is the outer layer of the brain involved in higher cognitive functions, the somatic system is responsible for voluntary movement and sensation, and the brainstem is involved in regulating basic bodily functions such as breathing and heart rate.

Question 9

The medulla and pons are located in the

Accepted Answer

The medulla and pons are both located in the brainstem, which is responsible for many vital functions including breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. The thalamus is a relay center for sensory information, the midbrain is involved in sensory reflexes and motor movement, and the corpus callosum is a bundle of nerve fibers that connects the two hemispheres of the brain.

Question 10

Laura has been involved in a serious accident; as a result she cannot form new memories about people or concepts. Which of the following areas was most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

The hippocampus is responsible for encoding new memories, both in terms of events and people. Damage to this area can result in Anterograde amnesia, meaning that the individual cannot form new memories. The cerebellum is important for motor coordination, the hypothalamus is important for regulation of the autonomic nervous system, and the frontal lobes are important for higher level executive functions, but none of these areas are primarily responsible for memory encoding.

Question 11

The hypothalamus regulates all of the following except

Accepted Answer

The hypothalamus is a small area of the brain that regulates many aspects of homeostasis, including hunger and thirst, internal body temperature, and sexual behavior. However, it is not directly involved in coordinating movement, which is controlled by the cerebellum and other motor areas of the brain.

Question 12

The hippocampus plays a central role in

Accepted Answer

The hippocampus is a part of the brain that is responsible for memory formation, consolidation, and retrieval. It is not involved in hunger, speech, or emotions.

Question 13

Which of the following brain structures influences attention and arousal?

Accepted Answer

The reticular formation, located in the brainstem, plays a crucial role in regulating arousal and attention. It receives input from sensory systems and sends projections to various areas of the cortex, helping to filter out unnecessary information and direct attention towards important stimuli. The medulla and spinal cord are primarily responsible for regulating autonomic functions, such as breathing and heart rate, while the thalamus serves as a relay center for sensory information.

Question 14

The brain structure that controls heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure is the

Accepted Answer

The medulla oblongata is located in the lower part of the brainstem and is responsible for controlling vital functions such as heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. It is sometimes called the "vital center" of the brain.

Question 15

The area of the brain that consists of the medulla, pons, and reticular formation is known as the

Accepted Answer

The medulla, pons, and reticular formation are all part of the brainstem, which regulates important automatic functions such as breathing and heart rate. The cerebral cortex is the outer layer of the brain involved in cognition and conscious thought, while the midbrain and limbic system are other regions of the brain with distinct functions.

Question 16

Which of the following is not part of the brain stem?

Accepted Answer

The hypothalamus is not part of the brain stem. It is located below the thalamus and is responsible for regulating various bodily functions, including temperature, hunger, and thirst. The brain stem consists of the medulla, pons, and reticular formation, which are involved in basic life-sustaining functions such as breathing, heart rate, and consciousness.

Question 17

Which structure of the limbic system is associated with the representation of special "maps" of our environment?

Accepted Answer

The hippocampus is responsible for the formation and storage of spatial memory, allowing us to create mental maps of our environment.

Question 18

The structure which controls arousal and attention and screens sensory messages entering the brain is the

Accepted Answer

The reticular formation is responsible for controlling arousal and attention, as well as screening sensory messages entering the brain. The pons is involved in regulating sleep, respiration, and other autonomic functions. The amygdala is important for processing emotions, particularly fear. The hippocampus plays a crucial role in memory formation and retrieval.

Question 19

Which of the following is not a role of the hypothalamus?

Accepted Answer

The hypothalamus does not directly coordinate body movements. It is primarily involved in regulating physiological functions such as food intake, thirst, sexual behavior, and many others. Coordination of body movements is mediated by different brain regions, such as the cerebellum and motor cortex.

Question 20

What brain system is responsible for emotional expression, some memory functions, and motivation?

Accepted Answer

The limbic system is responsible for emotional expression, some memory functions, and motivation. The pons and cerebellum are mainly responsible for motor control and balance, while the brainstem is responsible for regulating vital functions such as breathing and heart rate.

Quiz 2: Biology and Behaviour