Question 1

The technique in which radioactively tagged chemicals are introduced into the brain and then equipment monitors where the chemicals appear in the brain is

Accepted Answer

The technique described in which radioactively tagged chemicals are introduced into the brain and then equipment monitors where the chemicals appear in the brain is known as positron emission tomography (PET). Computerized tomography (CT) uses X-rays to provide detailed images of structures inside the body, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a strong magnetic field to produce images of structures inside the body, and electrographic tomography is not a commonly used medical imaging technique. Therefore, the best choice is B.

Question 2

CT scans of schizophrenic patients have indicated that

Accepted Answer

CT scans of schizophrenic patients have consistently shown that they have larger ventricles than nonschizophrenic subjects. This is thought to be related to brain abnormalities and decreased brain volume in certain areas, indicating that schizophrenia has neurodevelopmental origins. Other brain abnormalities have also been observed in schizophrenic patients, including altered functioning of the prefrontal cortex and increased dopamine activity in certain areas of the brain. However, these findings are not consistently observed in all studies.

Question 3

The brain imaging technique that permits scientists to temporarily enhance or depress activity in a specific area of the brain is known as

Accepted Answer

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a brain imaging technique that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in a specific area of the brain. By doing so, TMS can enhance or depress activity in that area and help researchers better understand the role of that area in various cognitive functions. Computerized tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are all imaging techniques, but they do not involve enhancing or depressing activity in specific areas of the brain.

Question 4

If brain damage is suspected,a patient may be tested with which of the following methods?

Accepted Answer

The electroencephalograph (EEG) is a non-invasive method used to evaluate brain function and detect abnormalities that may be indicative of brain damage. It measures the electrical activity of the brain and can help to diagnose conditions such as epilepsy, stroke, and traumatic brain injury. The electrocardiograph (ECG) is used to measure the electrical activity of the heart, and electrode implantation is typically done for specific neurosurgical procedures or research studies. Lesioning involves intentionally damaging a specific area of the brain to study its function or treat certain neurological conditions, but it is not used to diagnose brain damage.

Question 5

Electrical stimulation of its lateral hypothalamus causes an animal to overeat and become obese.Therefore,we would expect that lesioning the lateral hypothalamus would produce

Accepted Answer

Lesioning the lateral hypothalamus would likely result in a decrease in hunger and food intake, leading to undereating and weight loss. This is because the lateral hypothalamus plays a key role in regulating appetite and food intake.

Question 6

Sigourney's doctors think she might have a tumor,and they would like to use a brain-imaging technique that will provide them with an accurate image of her brain structure.The technique that they are most likely to use would be

Accepted Answer

The most accurate brain imaging technique for detecting tumors is a CT scan, which uses X-rays to generate detailed, cross-sectional images of the brain. PET scans are more commonly used to detect abnormalities in brain function, rather than structure. ESB is an invasive and relatively risky procedure that is typically only used for research or in extreme cases of surgery planning. EEG recordings provide information about brain activity, but not about brain structure.

Question 7

Which of the following techniques is likely to be MOST useful for locating specific neurotransmitter substances in the brain?

Accepted Answer

Positron emission tomography (PET) is the technique that is most useful for locating specific neurotransmitter substances in the brain. This is because PET uses radioactive tracers that are injected into the bloodstream and bind specifically to particular neurotransmitters or their receptors, allowing researchers to visualize their distribution and functioning in the brain. Computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and electrographic tomography are imaging techniques that provide structural information about the brain, but do not directly measure neurotransmitter activity.

Question 8

The implantation of electrodes in the brains of animals is accomplished through the use of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Implantation of electrodes in the brains of animals is done using a stereotaxic instrument, which allows for precise targeting and placement of the electrodes in specific areas of the brain. A stereotypical instrument is not used for this purpose. A tachistoscope is a device used in visual perception research and the electroencephalograph is a device used to record brain activity.

Question 9

While the ____ nervous system is associated with conserving bodily resources,the ____ nervous system mobilizes the body's resources for emergencies.

Accepted Answer

The parasympathetic nervous system is associated with conserving bodily resources and promoting rest and relaxation, while the sympathetic nervous system mobilizes the body's resources for emergencies by triggering the fight or flight response.

Question 10

The ____ fluid nourishes the brain and provides a protective cushion for it.

Accepted Answer

The cerebrospinal fluid fills the spaces within the brain and spinal cord, providing cushioning and nourishment to the brain. The other options - amniotic, parasympathetic, and somatic - do not play a role in protecting or nourishing the brain.

Question 11

Which of the following research techniques is LEAST likely to be used to study the human brain?

Accepted Answer

Lesioning is least likely to be used on humans as it involves damaging brain tissue, which is unethical and harmful. It is more commonly used in animal studies.

Question 12

Milo's doctors believe he might have schizophrenia,but before they make their final diagnosis they want to study detailed,three-dimensional images of Milo's brain structures.The technique the doctors are most likely to use in this case would be

Accepted Answer

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan would provide detailed, three-dimensional images of Milo's brain structures, which would be the most useful for diagnosing schizophrenia. Electrical stimulation of the brain (ESB) is used for a different purpose, while a positron emission tomography (PET) scan and an electroencephalograph (EEG) recording provide different types of information that are less relevant for diagnosing schizophrenia.

Question 13

The central nervous system consists of

Accepted Answer

The central nervous system includes the brain and the spinal cord. Option A refers to the peripheral nervous system, and options C and D refer to branches of the autonomic nervous system.

Question 14

The enclosing sheaths that protect the brain and spinal cord are referred to as

Accepted Answer

The term "meninges" refers to the three layers of protective tissue that surround the brain and spinal cord, including the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater. These sheaths help cushion and protect the delicate nervous tissue, as well as help to contain and circulate cerebrospinal fluid. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as glia refers to a type of supportive brain cell, ventricles are fluid-filled cavities within the brain, and "cerebrospinal sheaths" is not a commonly used term to refer to the meninges.

Question 15

Paul is wide awake and studying for an upcoming exam.While he is studying his brain activity is being recorded using an electroencephalograph (EEG).The EEG recording is MOST likely to be dominated by

Accepted Answer

When an individual is awake and alert, their brain activity is typically characterized by low voltage and high frequency brain waves known as beta waves. Therefore, the EEG recording in this scenario is most likely to be dominated by option B, which describes low voltage, high frequency brain waves.

Question 16

Destroying a piece of brain tissue to observe its effect on behavior is referred to as which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Destroying a piece of brain tissue to observe its effect on behavior is known as lesioning.

Question 17

A neurologist believes that Hillary may have epilepsy.To confirm this diagnosis the neurologist needs to record the overall electrical activity in Hillary's brain.The best way for the neurologist to obtain this information would be to use

Accepted Answer

An EEG is the most appropriate tool for recording the overall electrical activity in the brain. It is a non-invasive test that records the electrical activity generated by the brain using electrodes placed on the scalp. It can detect abnormal patterns of brain waves, such as those associated with epilepsy. PET and CT scans provide information about the structure of the brain, but do not measure electrical activity. ESB is an invasive procedure that involves stimulating specific areas of the brain with electrodes, and is not typically used for diagnosing epilepsy.

Question 18

ESB involves

Accepted Answer

ESB stands for electrical stimulation of the brain, which involves sending a weak electric current into a brain structure to stimulate or activate the structure. This technique is used in both research and clinical settings to study and treat a variety of neurological and psychiatric conditions. Monitoring the electrical activity of the brain over time is done through EEG or other brain imaging techniques, while visualizing the three-dimensional structure of the brain is done through methods like MRI or CT scans. Destroying a piece of the brain is a different technique altogether, typically reserved for cases of severe epilepsy or tumors.

Question 19

The brain imaging method that uses multiple X-rays to generate a picture of a horizontal slice of the brain is

Accepted Answer

Computerized tomography, or CT scan, uses multiple X-rays to create detailed images of the brain from different angles. This allows for a 3D reconstruction and visualization of the brain's internal structures. The other options listed are not imaging methods that use X-rays to generate images of the brain.

Question 20

Taylor has to have brain surgery to remove a tumor from her temporal lobe.As the surgery progresses,the surgeon plans to map out specific brain functions in the areas adjacent to the tumor.The method that the surgeon is MOST likely to use is

Accepted Answer

Electrical stimulation of the brain (ESB) is a commonly used method during brain surgery to map out specific brain functions in areas adjacent to the tumor. The surgeon will stimulate different parts of the brain and observe the patient's response to determine which areas are responsible for specific functions such as movement or language. This helps to ensure that critical brain functions are not damaged during the surgery. CT and PET scans are imaging techniques that may be used separately or in combination with ESB, but they do not provide the same level of precise functional mapping. Stereotaxic lesioning is a method used to intentionally damage specific areas of the brain for research purposes, and is not typically used during surgery.

Quiz 3: The Biological Bases of Behavior