Question 1

The flight-or-fight response is mobilized by the

Accepted Answer

The flight-or-fight response is part of the sympathetic nervous system, which activates in response to perceived threats or stressors. The central and somatic nervous systems are also involved in this response, but the sympathetic nervous system is the primary component. The parasympathetic nervous system, on the other hand, functions in opposition to the sympathetic nervous system, promoting rest and relaxation rather than arousal and activation.

Question 2

There are approximately __________ individual cells in your brain alone.

Accepted Answer

The human brain contains approximately 100 billion individual cells, known as neurons, that enable communication and processing of information within the brain. This number can vary slightly from person to person and may decrease with age or certain neurological conditions. Option A is too low, option B is an underestimate, and option D is too high.

Question 3

A researcher implants an electrode in a rat's brain, and then wires the electrode so that it stimulates a specific brain region every time the rat presses a lever. The rat finds the stimulation so rewarding that it does nothing but press the lever all day. Which of the following brain regions does the electrode most likely stimulate?

Accepted Answer

The nucleus accumbens is a brain region that plays a key role in reward and motivation, and is strongly associated with the experience of pleasure. Stimulation of the nucleus accumbens can be so rewarding that animals will work to obtain it to the exclusion of other activities, just as the rat in this scenario does.

Question 4

As Molly is walking across campus, a car swerves toward her. Her heart races and sweat breaks out as she jumps out of harm's way. This mobilization of energy is due to the action of Molly's

Accepted Answer

The mobilization of energy described in this scenario sounds like a fight-or-flight response, which is controlled by the sympathetic nervous system. This system is responsible for increasing heart rate, sweating, and other physical reactions to a perceived threat or danger. The other options listed do not typically control these types of reactions.

Question 5

Most of the higher functions of the brain, such as reasoning and language, are located in the

Accepted Answer

The cerebral cortex is the outer layer of the brain and contains the highest level of neural processing, responsible for most of the higher functions such as reasoning, language, and perception. The limbic system is responsible for emotions, motivation, and memory. The midbrain is responsible for sensory processing, and the brainstem is responsible for controlling basic involuntary functions such as breathing and heartbeat.

Question 6

Damage to the cerebellum is likely to disrupt which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The cerebellum is a region of the brain that plays an important role in motor coordination and control. Damage to the cerebellum is likely to disrupt the ability to perform tasks that require precise motor control, such as playing basketball. Sleep, homeostasis, and thinking are not primarily controlled by the cerebellum.

Question 7

The spaces within the brain are called ______ and are filled with ____ fluid.

Accepted Answer

The spaces within the brain are called ventricles, and they are filled with cerebrospinal fluid. Gray matter refers to areas of the brain with high concentrations of cell bodies and dendrites, not spaces within the brain. Neurons and dendrites are not spaces within the brain, but rather types of cells found within the brain. Frontal lobes and motor cortex refer to specific areas of the brain, not spaces within it.

Question 8

Neuroscientists often categorize parts of the brain into gray matter and white matter. What makes the white matter regions appear white?

Accepted Answer

White matter appears white because it is composed of myelinated axons. The white color comes from the fatty substance called myelin that surrounds and insulates the axons, allowing for faster transmission of neural signals.

Question 9

Eating, drinking, sexual behavior, and body temperature control are most strongly influenced by the

Accepted Answer

The hypothalamus plays a crucial role in regulating essential bodily functions such as eating, drinking, sexual behavior, and body temperature control. The hippocampus is primarily involved in memory processing, the thalamus relays sensory information to the brain, and the amygdala is involved in emotional processing, particularly fear and aggression.

Question 10

"Ewww!" says TJ when he sees an actual human brain on display at the science museum, "I didn't realize how convoluted and wrinkly it would be." Because he can only see the outer layer of the brain, TJ is actually describing just the

Accepted Answer

TJ is only able to see the outer layer of the brain, which is the cerebral cortex. The tectum, limbic system, and basal ganglia are not visible from the outside.

Question 11

Stan has been extremely afraid of cats since he was scratched as a 5-year-old. Whenever he sees a cat, he starts to feel afraid. If a cat comes towards him, he often runs away immediately as he is afraid of being scratched again. Stan's response is likely a result of the ____________ in the limbic system.

Accepted Answer

The amygdala is a part of the limbic system that is responsible for the processing and regulation of emotions such as fear. As Stan has a fear of cats, his response is likely a result of the amygdala in the limbic system being activated upon seeing or approaching a cat.

Question 12

The brain is divided into several different structures on the bottom part of the brain referred to as the "hindbrain." Which of the parts of the brain listed below is located in the hindbrain?

Accepted Answer

The cerebellum is located in the hindbrain. The amygdala is in the limbic system, the occipital lobe is in the cerebral cortex, and the thalamus is in the forebrain.

Question 13

As Joe walks to his car late at night, he hears footsteps behind him. Feeling afraid, Joe grips his keys and quickens his pace. It is likely that Joe's ____________ has been activated

Accepted Answer

The amygdala is involved in processing emotions, particularly fear and anxiety. In this situation, Joe is feeling afraid and therefore it is likely that his amygdala has been activated to prepare him for a potential threat. The hypothalamus is involved in regulating physiological functions like hunger and thirst. The hippocampus is responsible for memory formation and retrieval. The cerebellum plays a role in motor coordination and balance, but it is not directly involved in processing emotions.

Question 14

The _______________ is a structure in the brain stem responsible for life-sustaining functions, such as breathing and heart rate.

Accepted Answer

The medulla oblongata is located in the brain stem and is responsible for regulating vital functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. The reticular formation is involved in arousal and attention, the pons is involved in sleep and movement, and the cingulate gyrus is involved in emotion and pain processing.

Question 15

Malcolm is studying alone in his room late at night when he hears a loud noise downstairs. His heartbeat increases significantly and his breathing becomes shallow. He wonders if a burglar has entered the house and decides to investigate. When he gets downstairs he discovers his cat has knocked over a plant stand. His body begins to relax and return to normal. Which part of his nervous system is responsible for returning Malcolm to a normal state?

Accepted Answer

The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for returning the body to a normal state by decreasing heart rate, slowing breathing, and calming the body after a perceived threat or stressor.

Question 16

Tourette's syndrome-a condition marked by erratic and repetitive facial and muscle movements (called tics) and frequent noise making such as grunting, snorting, or sniffing-is believed to be caused by an imbalance in the

Accepted Answer

Tourette's syndrome is believed to be caused by an imbalance in the basal ganglia, a region of the brain that plays a role in regulating voluntary motor movements. This imbalance may be due to an abnormality in the neurotransmitter dopamine.

Question 17

What part of the brain acts as a relay station for incoming sensory information?

Accepted Answer

The thalamus serves as a relay station for incoming sensory information, processing and directing it to the appropriate areas of the brain for further processing and interpretation. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland are primarily involved in regulating hormonal and physiological processes, rather than sensory processing. The endocrine system as a whole is involved in regulating hormones and physiological processes, but is not directly related to sensory processing.

Question 18

An auto accident rendered Chris's nervous system unable to send messages for him to breathe, so he is on a respirator. Which brain structure was damaged in the accident?

Accepted Answer

The medulla oblongata is responsible for automatic functions such as breathing and heartbeat. Damage to the medulla can compromise these vital functions, leading to the need for mechanical ventilation.

Question 19

Which of the following would most likely involve the tectum?

Accepted Answer

The tectum is part of the midbrain that is responsible for reflexive responses to sensory stimuli, such as ducking to avoid being hit by a ball.

Question 20

The part of the brain dedicated to emotion and memory is the

Accepted Answer

The limbic system is a group of interlinked structures in the brain that are involved in emotional response and memory formation. The endocrine system is responsible for hormone production, while the reticular formation is involved in arousal and attention. The lymphatic system is involved in immunity and not related to emotion or memory.

Quiz 3: Biological Psychology