Question 1

Bard found that in order to see sham rage it was necessary to leave intact the posterior portion of the _____.

Accepted Answer

Bard's experiments showed that sham rage could be produced in decorticate animals, meaning their neocortex was removed. However, when the posterior portion of the hypothalamus was also removed, sham rage could not be observed. Therefore, the posterior portion of the hypothalamus is necessary for sham rage to be seen.

Question 2

In monkeys, the multimodal or polymodal cortex is found in:

Accepted Answer

A

Question 3

The simplest functional unit of the cortex is hypothesized to be the:

Accepted Answer

Columns are groups of neurons that are vertically aligned and have similar functional properties. These columns are hypothesized to be the basic functional unit of the cortex, with each column processing a specific aspect of sensory information. While circuits and layers also play important roles in cortical function, the column hypothesis is currently the most widely accepted theory. Blobs are structures within the visual cortex that are responsible for color processing, but they are not considered to be the simplest functional unit of the cortex.

Question 4

The coordination of automatic and voluntary movements occurs at the level of the:

Accepted Answer

The basal ganglia play a crucial role in coordinating automatic and voluntary movements. They receive input from various brain regions, including the cerebral cortex, and help modulate motor commands from the cortex, resulting in smooth and coordinated movements. The diencephalon is involved in sensory processing and regulation of various functions, but not specifically in motor coordination. The hindbrain, while important for some motor functions, is primarily responsible for autonomic functions and reflexes.

Question 5

The ability of our brains to be changed by experience and to recover from damage is due to the quality known as:

Accepted Answer

Plasticity refers to the ability of our brains to be changed by experience and to recover from damage. This quality is essential for learning and adapting to new situations, as well as for recovering from injury or disease. It allows our brains to form new connections between neurons and reorganize neural networks in response to different situations, which is crucial for our ability to learn, remember, and adapt to changes in our environment.

Question 6

The principal output neurons of the cerebral cortex are _____ cells.

Accepted Answer

Pyramidal neurons are the principal output neurons of the cerebral cortex. They project to other regions to send messages and initiate actions. Stellate cells are inhibitory interneurons, Purkinje cells are found in the cerebellum, and Schwann cells are part of the peripheral nervous system.

Question 7

All aspiny neurons are thought to release _____ as one of their neurotransmitters.

Accepted Answer

Aspiny neurons are neurons that lack dendritic spines, and they are particularly abundant in the cerebellum and basal ganglia. It is believed that the majority of aspiny neurons release GABA as their primary neurotransmitter, although some may release other neurotransmitters such as dopamine or acetylcholine in addition to GABA. Therefore, the best choice among the options given is B, GABA.

Question 8

Maintenance of cortical arousal is one of the putative functions of:

Accepted Answer

Nonspecific afferents, also known as ascending reticular activating system (ARAS), are responsible for maintaining cortical arousal through the release of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, serotonin, and acetylcholine. These neurotransmitters activate the cortex and promote wakefulness.

Question 9

An animal in which only the hindbrain and spinal cord remain is said to be:

Accepted Answer

A low decerebrate animal has only the hindbrain and spinal cord intact, with the forebrain and midbrain removed.

Question 10

Stepping behavior is coordinated by circuits at the level of the:

Accepted Answer

Stepping behavior is a basic motor pattern that is controlled by circuits located in the spinal cord, allowing for coordinated movement without the need for higher-level input from the brain.

Question 11

Which of the following conditions is best associated with hyperactivity, sham rage, and intact thermoregulatory ability?

Accepted Answer

The diencephalon is associated with hyperactivity and sham rage (an exaggerated aggressive response without actual aggression). Additionally, the diencephalon is involved in thermoregulation, so intact thermoregulatory ability would be expected with this condition. The other options are not typically associated with intact thermoregulation or hyperactivity.

Question 12

Based upon his studies of myelin development in the cortex, Paul Flechsig suggested that myelin forms earliest in _____ cortical zones and latest in _____ cortical zones.

Accepted Answer

Paul Flechsig suggested that myelin forms earliest in primary cortical zones, which are areas of the brain involved in basic sensory processing or motor control, and latest in tertiary cortical zones, which are areas associated with higher-order processing and integration of information.

Question 13

Which of the following behaviors or physiological abilities is not observed in low - decerebrate animals?

Accepted Answer

Thermoregulation is not observed in low-decerebrate animals because it requires the hypothalamus, which is located in the midbrain.

Question 14

A person in a persistent vegetative state most resembles an animal with experimental lesions to the:

Accepted Answer

The hindbrain is responsible for regulating basic life functions such as respiration and heart rate, similar to the functions maintained in a persistent vegetative state, where higher brain functions are severely impaired or absent.

Question 15

Neurons that have dendritic spines are typically:

Accepted Answer

Dendritic spines are small protrusions on the dendrites of neurons that receive and process incoming signals from other neurons. These spines are most commonly found on excitatory neurons, which release neurotransmitters that activate postsynaptic neurons and promote the firing of action potentials. Inhibitory neurons, on the other hand, release neurotransmitters that prevent or inhibit the firing of action potentials. Modulatory neurons release neurotransmitters that affect the activity of other neurons, but they do not directly promote or inhibit action potential firing. Therefore, option A is the best choice because dendritic spines are most commonly found on excitatory neurons.

Question 16

Excessive tone in the antigravity muscles is characteristic of:

Accepted Answer

Excessive tone in the antigravity muscles is characteristic of decerebrate rigidity.

Question 17

Uncontrolled rage or laughter would signal a possible lesion in the area of the:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Uncontrolled rage or laughter would signal a...

Question 18

The lowest level at which voluntary movements can be coordinated is the:

Accepted Answer

The answer of The lowest level at which voluntary movements...

Question 19

Which of the following is beyond the capacity of a decorticate rat?

Accepted Answer

Decorticate rats lack the cerebral cortex which is responsible for higher level cognitive functions and behaviors such as hoarding food. Regulating temperature, finding food and water in simple environments, and showing normal sleep-wake cycles are all within their capacity.

Question 20

Specific thalamic afferents in the mammalian brain terminate primarily in layer _____ of the neocortex.

Accepted Answer

Thalamic afferents terminate primarily in layer IV of the neocortex in mammals.

Quiz 10: Extension: A - Principles of Neurocortical Function