Question 1

The somatic nervous system controls the voluntary movements of skeletal muscles.

Accepted Answer

The somatic nervous system is responsible for the voluntary movements of skeletal muscles. It consists of motor neurons that carry impulses from the central nervous system to the skeletal muscles, causing them to contract and produce movement.

Question 2

Damage higher on the spinal cord usually results in more severe impairment.

Accepted Answer

The spinal cord plays a crucial role in transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Higher levels of damage on the spinal cord can lead to more significant impairment, which can affect a person's ability to control their limbs, trunk, and other bodily functions. For example, damage to the cervical spine (neck area) can result in tetraplegia (paralysis of all four limbs), while damage to the thoracic or lumbar spine (mid to lower back) may cause paraplegia (paralysis of lower limbs).

Question 3

The spinal cord is the major component of the peripheral nervous system.

Accepted Answer

The spinal cord is actually a major component of the central nervous system, not the peripheral nervous system.

Question 4

One function of the parasympathetic nervous system is to relax the bladder.

Accepted Answer

The answer of One function of the parasympathetic nervous system...

Question 5

Drugs that block the reuptake of serotonin are used in treating depression.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Drugs that block the reuptake of serotonin, known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are commonly used in treating depression. By blocking the reuptake of serotonin, more of the neurotransmitter remains in the synaptic cleft, which can help alleviate symptoms of depression.

Question 6

L-dopa is a common drug used to treat the delusions associated with schizophrenia.

Accepted Answer

L-dopa is not used to treat the delusions associated with schizophrenia. It is primarily used to treat Parkinson's disease. Antipsychotic medications are commonly used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia, including delusions.

Question 7

One function of the sympathetic nervous system is to dilate the pupils.

Accepted Answer

The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for dilating the pupils in response to various stimuli such as increased light or a fight or flight response. This is achieved through the activation of the muscles in the iris that control pupil size.

Question 8

Prozac acts as an antagonist for serotonin.

Accepted Answer

Prozac acts as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which means it enhances the actions of serotonin in the brain by inhibiting its reuptake into neurons. Therefore, it acts as an agonist for serotonin, not an antagonist.

Question 9

The pain withdrawal reflex occurs without any input from the brain.

Accepted Answer

The pain withdrawal reflex is a spinal reflex, meaning it occurs without any input from the brain. When a painful stimulus is applied, sensory neurons carry the signal to the spinal cord, where interneurons immediately send a signal to motor neurons to pull the affected body part away from the source of the pain. This reflex is designed to protect the body from further injury.

Question 10

One function of the sympathetic nervous system is to increase digestion.

Accepted Answer

The sympathetic nervous system is known for its "fight or flight" response, which typically involves a decrease in digestion and an increase in blood flow to other areas of the body.

Question 11

Amphetamine causes the release of norepinephrine and dopamine into the synapse.

Accepted Answer

Amphetamine is a stimulant drug that increases the release of norepinephrine and dopamine from neurons into the synapse. This leads to increased activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the reward pathway in the brain, producing effects such as increased energy, alertness, and euphoria.

Question 12

The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for ejaculation in males.

Accepted Answer

Ejaculation is primarily controlled by the sympathetic nervous system, not the parasympathetic nervous system.

Question 13

Beta blockers are antagonists for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

Accepted Answer

Beta blockers are actually antagonists for the neurotransmitter adrenaline or epinephrine, not acetylcholine. They block the effects of these hormones on the body's adrenergic receptors, which can lower blood pressure and heart rate.

Question 14

If you ever find yourself being chased by a crazed axe murderer, your parasympathetic nervous system will trigger heart rate increases, providing your muscles with more oxygen such that you can run faster and longer.

Accepted Answer

The sympathetic nervous system, not the parasympathetic, is responsible for the "fight or flight" response, which increases heart rate and prepares the body for action.

Question 15

Amphetamine and cocaine both prevent the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine.

Accepted Answer

Both amphetamines and cocaine work by preventing the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine, increasing their levels in the brain.

Question 16

The central nervous system consists of both the brain and the spinal cord.

Accepted Answer

The central nervous system consists of the brain and the spinal cord.

Question 17

The two major subdivisions of the peripheral nervous system are sympathetic and parasympathetic.

Accepted Answer

The two major subdivisions of the peripheral nervous system are the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system; the sympathetic and parasympathetic are subdivisions of the autonomic nervous system.

Question 18

A drug agonist enhances the activity of a neurotransmitter.

Accepted Answer

A drug agonist binds to the same receptor as a neurotransmitter and enhances the activity of the neurotransmitter. This can result in increased neuronal firing, neurotransmitter release, or other downstream effects.

Question 19

The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for action in life-threatening situations.

Accepted Answer

The sympathetic nervous system releases hormones that increase heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing to prepare the body for a "fight or flight" response in potentially dangerous situations.

Question 20

L-dopa acts as an antagonist for dopamine.

Accepted Answer

L-dopa is actually a precursor to dopamine and is converted into dopamine in the brain. Therefore, it acts as a dopamine agonist, not an antagonist.

Quiz 3: Section 4: Neuroscience and Behavior