Question 1

The brain imaging technique that permits scientists to temporarily enhance or depress activity in a specific area of the brain is known as

Accepted Answer

The brain imaging technique that permits scientists to temporarily enhance or depress activity in a specific area of the brain is known as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Computerised tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are imaging techniques that provide detailed images of the brain's structure. Positron emission tomography (PET) is a technique that measures brain activity by detecting the uptake of a radioactive tracer. However, only TMS allows for the temporary manipulation of activity in specific brain regions.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

The brain imaging method that uses multiple X-rays to generate a picture of a horizontal slice of the brain is called computerised tomography (CT). Electroencephalography (EEG) measures electrical activity in the brain, stereotaxic instrumentation is a surgical tool used to precisely target specific brain regions, and EKG measures electrical activity in the heart.

Question 3

Which of the following techniques is likely to be MOST useful for locating specific neurotransmitter substances in the brain?

Accepted Answer

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a technique that can be used to trace the location and activity of specific neurotransmitter substances in the brain. PET involves injecting a small amount of a radioactive substance that binds to the neurotransmitter of interest, and then scanning the brain to detect the radioactive signal. This allows researchers to see where and how much of the neurotransmitter is present in various regions of the brain, which can be helpful in understanding the role of that neurotransmitter in various behaviors and disorders. Computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and electroencephalography (EEG) are imaging techniques that provide different types of information about the brain, but are not typically used for locating specific neurotransmitters.

Question 4

ESB involves

Accepted Answer

ESB stands for Electrical Stimulation of the Brain. This involves sending a weak electric current into a specific brain structure to stimulate or activate the structure.

Question 5

Taylor has to have brain surgery to remove a tumour from her temporal lobe. As the surgery progresses, the surgeon plans to map out specific brain functions in the areas adjacent to the tumour. The method that the surgeon is MOST likely to use is

Accepted Answer

During brain surgery, electrical stimulation of the brain (ESB) is a common method used to map out specific brain functions in the areas surrounding the tumour. This is done by applying small electrical currents to different areas of the brain and observing the patient's response. This allows the surgeon to identify critical areas that need to be avoided during the surgery to prevent damage to important brain functions. CT and PET scanning are imaging techniques that provide information about the structure and function of the brain, but they do not allow for mapping of specific brain functions during surgery. Stereotaxic lesioning is a laboratory technique used to create brain lesions in animals for research purposes and is not applicable to brain surgery in humans.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

The cerebrospinal fluid is the clear, colorless liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, acting as a cushion against injury and providing nutrients to support the brain's function. The amniotic fluid is the liquid surrounding a fetus in the uterus, the parasympathetic nervous system is a part of the autonomic nervous system involved in "rest and digest" functions, and the somatic nervous system controls voluntary muscle movements.

Question 7

A neurologist believes that Hillary may have epilepsy. To confirm this diagnosis the neurologist needs to record the overall electrical activity in Hillary's brain. The best way for the neurologist to obtain this information would be to use

Accepted Answer

The best way for a neurologist to record the overall electrical activity in Hillary's brain is through an EEG (electroencephalograph). EEG measures electrical activity in the brain through the use of electrodes placed on the scalp. This test can help diagnose conditions such as epilepsy, as it will show abnormal brain wave patterns during seizures. PET scans, CT scans, and ESB are not used to measure overall electrical activity in the brain.

Question 8

The central nervous system consists of

Accepted Answer

The central nervous system includes the brain and the spinal cord. The other choices refer to subsets of the peripheral nervous system, which is distinct from the central nervous system.

Question 9

The enclosing sheaths that protect the brain and spinal cord are referred to as

Accepted Answer

The term "meninges" refers to the three membranes that enclose and protect the brain and spinal cord. These membranes are referred to as the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.

Question 10

The implantation of electrodes in the brains of animals is accomplished through the use of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The implantation of electrodes in the brains of animals is accomplished through the use of a stereotaxic instrument, which allows for precise targeting of brain regions. Option A is close but not specific enough, as stereotaxic instruments are a type of instrument used for this purpose. Option B is incorrect, as a tachistoscope is used to present visual stimuli for very brief durations. Option C is also not specific enough, as an electroencephalograph is an instrument used to measure brain waves, not to implant electrodes.

Question 11

If brain damage is suspected, a patient may be tested with which of the following methods?

Accepted Answer

The electroencephalograph (EEG) is the best method for testing brain damage. It records electrical activity in the brain and can detect abnormal patterns that may be indicative of damage or dysfunction. The electrocardiograph (ECG) is used to measure heart function and is not relevant to testing brain damage. Lesioning and electrode implantation are invasive methods used for specific treatments or research purposes and are not typically used for diagnosing brain damage.

Question 12

Milo's doctors believe he might have schizophrenia, but before they make their final diagnosis they want to study detailed, three-dimensional images of Milo's brain structures. The technique the doctors are most likely to use in this case would be

Accepted Answer

The doctors would most likely use a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to study detailed, three-dimensional images of Milo's brain structures. MRI scans are a non-invasive imaging technique that can provide high-resolution images of the brain structures, allowing doctors to study any abnormalities or differences in Milo's brain that may be indicative of schizophrenia.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

A CT scan is the best choice for providing an accurate image of brain structure in the case of a potential tumour. PET scans are better for detecting functional changes in the brain, ESB is a research tool that involves the direct application of an electrical current to the brain, and EEG recordings measure electrical activity in the brain and are not as useful for imaging brain structure.

Question 14

While the ____ nervous system is associated with conserving bodily resources, the ____ nervous system mobilises the body's resources for emergencies.

Accepted Answer

The parasympathetic nervous system is associated with conserving bodily resources, while the sympathetic nervous system mobilises the body's resources for emergencies.

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following research techniques is...

Question 16

Destroying a piece of brain tissue to observe its effect on behaviour is referred to as which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Destroying a piece of brain tissue to observe its effect on behaviour is called lesioning. ESB (electrical stimulation of the brain) involves manipulating brain activity through electrical currents, tumor ligation involves cutting off blood supply to a brain tumor, and stereotaxic inversion is not a valid term in neurology.

Question 17

Paul is wide awake and studying for an upcoming exam. While he is studying his brain activity is being recorded using an electroencephalograph (EEG). The EEG recording is MOST likely to be dominated by

Accepted Answer

When a person is awake and engaged in cognitive activity, their EEG is dominated by low voltage, high frequency brain waves known as beta waves.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

The lateral hypothalamus is known as the "feeding center" and electrical stimulation causes overeating and obesity. Therefore, lesioning it would result in a decrease in eating and weight loss.

Question 19

The technique in which radioactively tagged chemicals are introduced into the brain and then equipment monitors where the chemicals appear in the brain is

Accepted Answer

This technique of introducing tagged chemicals and monitoring their activity is known as positron emission tomography (PET).

Question 20

CT scans of schizophrenic patients have indicated that

Accepted Answer

CT scans of schizophrenic patients have revealed that they have larger ventricles than nonschizophrenic subjects. This is thought to be due to the loss of brain tissue, which is a common feature of schizophrenia. The enlargement of the ventricles is believed to be a result of this tissue loss. Option A is incorrect because while dopamine levels are thought to play a role in schizophrenia, it is not necessarily the case that schizophrenic subjects have higher levels of dopamine than nonschizophrenic subjects. Option C is incorrect because catecholamines, which include dopamine, are actually thought to be dysregulated in schizophrenic subjects. Option D is incorrect because while there is evidence of structural differences in the brains of schizophrenic subjects, the amygdala specifically is not always implicated.

Quiz 3: Biology of Behaviour