Question 1

Which neurotransmitter is associated with sleep and mood?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is involved in regulating mood, appetite, and sleep. Low levels of serotonin have been linked to depression and other mood disorders, as well as disruptions in sleep patterns. Drugs that increase levels of serotonin, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are often used to treat these conditions.

Question 2

When a neuron fires, it fires in a(n) ________ fashion, because there is no such thing as "partial" firing.

Accepted Answer

When a neuron fires, it either reaches the threshold potential and fires an action potential or it does not. There is no partial firing - it either fires completely or not at all - hence the term "all-or-none."

Question 3

Endogenous cannabinoids are neurotransmitter substances that ___________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Endogenous cannabinoids are neurotransmitter substances that ___________.
...

Question 4

____________neurotransmitters make it more likely that a neuron will send its message to other neurons, whereas _____________ neurotransmitters make it less likely that a neuron will send its message.

Accepted Answer

Excitatory neurotransmitters like dopamine, acetylcholine, and glutamate stimulate neurons to fire and send their message to other neurons. Inhibitory neurotransmitters like GABA and serotonin, on the other hand, inhibit or calm neurons, making it less likely that they will fire and send their message.

Question 5

Isabella is putting mustard on her hot dog. She realizes she has put too much and sucks up some of it back into the squeeze bottle. This process is similar to

Accepted Answer

The process of sucking the excess mustard back into the squeeze bottle resembles the neurotransmitter reuptake process, in which excess neurotransmitters are taken back into the presynaptic neuron to be reused or metabolized.

Question 6

The precise location where communication between neurons occurs is the ________.

Accepted Answer

The synapse is the specific location where communication between neurons occurs, as it is the gap between the terminal button of one neuron and the dendrites or cell body of another neuron. Neuromodulators are chemical substances that can affect the activity of neurons, but they are not the precise location of communication. Terminal buttons are the ends of neuron branches that release neurotransmitters, but they are only part of the synapse. The myelin sheath is a fatty coating around some axons that helps speed up neural communication, but it is not involved in the precise location of communication between neurons.

Question 7

A chemical found in the synaptic vesicles which, when released, has an effect on the next cell is called a__________.

Accepted Answer

A chemical that has an effect on the next cell is a neurotransmitter. Options A, C, and D are not correct as they do not fit the definition of a neurotransmitter.

Question 8

Which structure is like a locked door that only certain neurotransmitter keys can unlock?

Accepted Answer

Receptor sites operate like locked doors that only certain neurotransmitter keys can unlock. When a neurotransmitter attaches to the receptor site, it triggers a response in the receiving neuron.

Question 9

Agonist is to antagonist as ___________.

Accepted Answer

An agonist is a substance that mimics the action of a neurotransmitter, while an antagonist blocks the action of a neurotransmitter. Therefore, "mimic is to block" correctly parallels this relationship.

Question 10

Sara has been experiencing a serious memory problem. An interdisciplinary team has ruled out a range of causes and believes that a neurotransmitter is involved. Which neurotransmitter is most likely involved in this problem?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine is one of the primary neurotransmitters involved in memory and learning. A deficiency in acetylcholine has been implicated in various memory problems, including Alzheimer's disease, and loss of acetylcholine-secreting neurons is a hallmark of this condition. Therefore, it is likely that acetylcholine is involved in Sara's memory problem.

Question 11

The term "fire" when referring to neural transmission indicates that a neuron ___________.

Accepted Answer

When referring to neural transmission, the term "fire" means that the neuron has received appropriate inputs from other neurons in its dendrites and is sending an action potential down its axon to communicate with another neuron. The other choices are not accurate descriptions of what "fire" means in this context.

Question 12

The action potential causes neurotransmitters to be released into the ______.

Accepted Answer

Neurotransmitters are released into the synapse, which is the small gap between the terminal buttons of one neuron and the dendrites or cell body of another neuron.

Question 13

Which of the following is true about myelin?

Accepted Answer

Myelin is a fatty substance that covers the axons of neurons, allowing for faster and more efficient neural communication. It does not inhibit or slow down neuronal operations.

Question 14

Reuptake refers to ________.

Accepted Answer

Reuptake refers to the process by which the surplus neurotransmitters that were not received by the receiving neuron are reabsorbed back into the sending neuron, in order to be recycled and used again.

Question 15

A(n) ________ is a site on the dendrite or cell body where a neurotransmitter molecule attaches itself.

Accepted Answer

Receptors are sites on the dendrite or cell body where neurotransmitters attach to exert their effects. Agonists enhance the effect of a neurotransmitter while antagonists block or decrease the effect. Neuromodulators can affect the release or synthesis of neurotransmitters but do not directly bind to receptors.

Question 16

What is the function of myelin?

Accepted Answer

Myelin serves as an insulating layer around axons, allowing for faster transmission of neural impulses.

Question 17

A receptor is a site that can be found ___________.

Accepted Answer

Receptors are typically found on dendrites or cell bodies of neurons where they receive signals and neurotransmitters from other neurons. They are less commonly found on axons or other parts of the neuron.

Question 18

The saclike structures found inside the synaptic knob containing chemicals are called________.

Accepted Answer

Synaptic vesicles are the saclike structures found inside the synaptic knob containing chemicals called neurotransmitters. The neurotransmitters are released from the synaptic vesicles to transmit information across the synapse to the postsynaptic neuron. Axon terminals are the end of the axons where the synaptic knobs are located, synapses are the junctions between the axon terminal of one neuron and the dendrites of another neuron, and receptor sites are specific locations on the postsynaptic neuron where neurotransmitters bind to produce a response.

Question 19

Andy has decided to seek medical help for mood disturbances and appetite problems. Which neurotransmitter is most likely involved in the problems Andy is experiencing?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin is involved in regulating mood and appetite. Low levels of serotonin have been linked to depression and decreased appetite, while high levels have been linked to a sense of well-being and increased appetite. Therefore, it is likely that Andy's mood disturbances and appetite problems are related to serotonin imbalances.

Question 20

A fatty substance that is wrapped around the shaft of axons in the nervous system and whose function is to insulate neurons and speed up the neural impulse is called a _________.

Accepted Answer

The fatty substance wrapped around the shaft of axons in the nervous system is called myelin, which is produced by glial cells. The function of myelin is to insulate neurons and speed up the neural impulse, allowing for more efficient communication within the nervous system. Synaptic vesicles are specialized structures within neurons that store and release neurotransmitters, while dendrites are the branch-like extensions of neurons that receive signals from other neurons. Therefore, neither choice A nor B are correct. Choice C is partially correct, as glial cells do produce myelin, but the more specific term for the fatty substance itself is myelin, making choice D the best answer.

Quiz 2: The Biology of Mind and Behavior: The Brain in Action