Question 1

What part of a neuron contains the material necessary to keep it alive?

Accepted Answer

The cell body, also known as the soma, contains the nucleus and other organelles necessary for the survival of the neuron. The axon and dendrites are important for communication and signal transmission, but do not contain the material necessary for the neuron's survival. The corpus callosum is a structure in the brain that connects the left and right hemispheres, but it is not a part of the neuron itself.

Question 2

Which route most accurately depicts the flow of information from one neuron to another?

Accepted Answer

The typical flow of information in a neuron starts from the dendrites, which receive signals, then to the cell body (soma), and finally travels along the axon to reach the next neuron's dendrites. Therefore, option A correctly represents this flow from one neuron's axon to the next neuron's dendrite.

Question 3

Which of the following phrases would best complete the analogy, "Transmitter is to receiver as"?

Accepted Answer

This analogy compares the relationship between a transmitter and receiver to the relationship between an axon and dendrite in a neuron. The transmitter sends information to the receiver, just as an axon sends information to a dendrite. The other answer choices do not accurately reflect this relationship.

Question 4

What type of brain cells form the basis of all thought and behaviour?

Accepted Answer

Neurons are specialized cells in the brain that transmit information through electrical and chemical signals. They form the basis of all thought and behavior.

Question 5

Two-month-old Ben requires a great deal of energy for growth. Approximately what percentage of the body's energy is devoted to growth at Ben's age?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Two-month-old Ben requires a great deal of...

Question 6

Which nutrient is naturally missing from breast milk and needs to be supplemented in a breast-fed baby's diet?

Accepted Answer

Breast milk does not naturally contain enough vitamin D to meet a baby's needs, so it is recommended that breast-fed infants receive a vitamin D supplement of 400 IU per day.

Question 7

When does malnutrition seem to be most damaging?

Accepted Answer

Malnutrition is most damaging during infancy as this period is crucial for the overall growth and development of the child. Lack of proper nutrition during this time can lead to stunted growth, weakened immune system, and cognitive impairment. It can have long-term effects on the child's health and well-being.

Question 8

Sandra has decided to breastfeed her infant. For what length of time does Sandra's doctor recommend that Sandra exclusively breastfeed her child?

Accepted Answer

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months of a baby's life, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside the introduction of solid foods until at least 12 months of age.

Question 9

Yvette is a malnourished child. If her parents are typical, how will they most likely react?

Accepted Answer

Malnourished children often exhibit lethargy due to the lack of energy and nutrients. This can lead to decreased interactions from parents who might find it difficult to engage with a child who shows little energy or responsiveness.

Question 10

Which part of an infant's body grows first?

Accepted Answer

The head is the first part of an infant's body to grow, as it contains the brain which controls and coordinates growth and development of the rest of the body.

Question 11

Which child is most likely to be the tallest?

Accepted Answer

Kara has the highest likelihood of being the tallest as she has tall parents, both of whom likely carry genes for height. While having tall grandparents (option D) may also suggest a higher likelihood of being tall, it is not as strong an indicator as having tall parents. Option A and B have one short parent, which decreases the likelihood of being tall.

Question 12

As a result of surgery, Graeme's left and right cerebral hemispheres are no longer connected. Which part of Graeme's brain was most likely the focus of the surgery?

Accepted Answer

The corpus callosum is the large band of neural fibers that connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain. Its severing is a common surgical procedure to treat certain types of epilepsy. This results in the two hemispheres being functionally isolated from each other, which can lead to changes in cognitive and perceptual abilities.

Question 13

Baby Justin is old enough to start consuming solid foods. What is the first food that is recommended for 6- to 9-month old children like Justin?

Accepted Answer

Iron-fortified rice cereal is recommended as a first food for 6- to 9-month old children as it is easy to digest, contains nutrients such as iron and zinc, and is less likely to cause allergies compared to other first food options like eggs or dairy products. Mashed bananas can also be introduced as a second food option after rice cereal. Whole milk and egg yolks are not recommended at this age due to the risk of allergies and digestive issues.

Question 14

Ronnie is trying new foods and loves to experiment with new shapes, textures, and tastes. But his mom, Pam, is confused because Ronnie says that squash, a food he loved as an infant, is now "yucky." At what approximate age is Ronnie?

Accepted Answer

Ronnie is likely around 2 years old, a common age for children to start expressing strong preferences and dislikes for certain foods, often rejecting foods they previously enjoyed. This behavior is part of the normal developmental phase known as "neophobia," where toddlers become more cautious about new foods.

Question 15

What do we call chemicals that carry information from one neuron to another?

Accepted Answer

Neurotransmitters are the chemicals that carry information from one neuron to another by crossing the synaptic gap between them. The other options listed are structures within a neuron that facilitate this transmission: axons are the long, thin fibers that carry the information from the neuron cell body to the terminal buttons; terminal buttons are the small structures at the end of the axons that release the neurotransmitters into the synaptic gap; dendrites are the branch-like structures attached to the cell body that receive the information from other neurons.

Question 16

Sixteen-year-old Marshall was severely malnourished as an infant. Compared to his peers who were not malnourished as infants, how is Marshall most likely to differ?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Sixteen-year-old Marshall was severely malnourished as an...

Question 17

Which technique is recommended for making finicky eaters more open-minded about the food they eat?

Accepted Answer

Allowing children to have some control over the food they eat can help them feel empowered and more willing to try new things. Additionally, limiting choices to healthy foods ensures that their options are still nutritious. A and C can create negative associations with food and lead to overeating or using food as a reward. B may not actually address the root issue of picky eating.

Question 18

Lisa is recovering from a serious accident that damaged her frontal cortex. Which outcome is most likely?

Accepted Answer

Damage to the frontal cortex can lead to changes in a person's personality, emotions, and behavior. This area of the brain is responsible for higher-level cognitive functions and decision-making. If Lisa's frontal cortex was damaged, it is likely that she will experience some changes in her personality or behavior as she recovers. Choices A, B, and D are not likely outcomes of damage to the frontal cortex.

Question 19

Sarah is informed that both of her 1-year-old twin daughters are of "normal" weight. She is then informed that one weighs 7.3 kilograms (16 pounds) and the other weighs 11.8 kilograms (26 pounds). How is this possible?

Accepted Answer

The "normal" weight range for 1-year-olds is very wide, so it is possible for twins to have a significant weight difference and still fall within the normal range.

Question 20

On which part of a neuron are terminal buttons located?

Accepted Answer

Terminal buttons, also known as axon terminals, are located at the end of the axon of a neuron.

Quiz 3: Tools for Exploring the World