Question 1

Endorphins are ________.

Accepted Answer

Endorphins are chemicals produced by the body that act as natural painkillers. They work by binding to the same receptors in the brain that opioids such as morphine do.

Question 2

The brain and spinal cord are two components of the ______.

Accepted Answer

The central nervous system (CNS) refers to the brain and spinal cord, which are responsible for the processing and interpretation of sensory information, as well as the coordination and execution of motor responses. The somatic nervous system refers to the part of the peripheral nervous system that controls voluntary movement and sensory perception, while the autonomic nervous system controls involuntary functions such as heart rate and digestion.

Question 3

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 a neurotransmitter that is involved in memory and learning. A deficit in acetylcholine has been linked to memory problems such as those experienced by Sara. GABA is primarily an inhibitory neurotransmitter and its deficit usually causes anxiety and sleep problems. Dopamine is involved in motivation, reward, and movement. Serotonin is linked to mood, happiness, and social behavior.

Question 4

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 described in the scenario is similar to reuptake, which occurs when neurotransmitters are taken back into the presynaptic neuron after being released into the synaptic cleft. In the scenario, the mustard is taken back into the squeeze bottle. This is similar to reuptake in that material is being taken back into its original source instead of remaining in the synapse.

Question 5

GABA functions as _________.

Accepted Answer

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, meaning it decreases the activity of neurons and helps to regulate brain function.

Question 6

Which of the following neurotransmitters functions as a common inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain?

Accepted Answer

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a neurotransmitter that functions as a common inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, meaning it helps to reduce or inhibit activity in the nervous system. Serotonin is primarily a modulatory neurotransmitter, while acetylcholine and norepinephrine are primarily excitatory neurotransmitters.

Question 7

Reuptake is ________.

Accepted Answer

Reuptake is the process by which neurotransmitters in the synaptic gap are reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron and taken back into the synaptic vesicles, effectively ending their action on the postsynaptic neuron. Option A describes a neurotransmitter, option B describes a receptor protein, and option D describes a general category of neurotransmitters.

Question 8

________ plays a critical role as a neurotransmitter that stimulates skeletal muscles to contract.

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that plays a critical role in stimulating skeletal muscles to contract.

Question 9

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

Mood disturbances and appetite problems are often linked to serotonin imbalances. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, appetite, and sleep, among other functions. Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. Therefore, the most likely neurotransmitter involved in Andy's problems is serotonin.

Question 10

_________ synapses make it more likely that a neuron will send its message to other neurons,whereas ________ synapses make it less likely that a neuron will send its message.

Accepted Answer

Excitatory synapses increase the likelihood that a neuron will fire an action potential and communicate with other neurons, whereas inhibitory synapses decrease the likelihood that a neuron will fire an action potential and send its message. Therefore, A is the correct choice.

Question 11

The effect of alcohol is to enhance the effect of _________,which causes the general inhibition of the nervous system associated with getting drunk.

Accepted Answer

Alcohol enhances the effect of GABA, which is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. This leads to the inhibition of the nervous system, which is associated with drunkenness. Serotonin and dopamine are both involved in mood, motivation, and reward, but are not directly related to the effects of alcohol. Acetylcholine is involved in memory and learning, but again is not directly related to the effects of alcohol.

Question 12

How is acetylcholine removed from the synapse?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine is broken down by the enzyme acetylcholinesterase in the synapse. This process is important for the termination of the signal and for preventing overstimulation of the postsynaptic neuron.

Question 13

Which neurotransmitter is associated with sleep,mood,and appetite?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is involved in the regulation of mood, sleep, and appetite. Imbalances in serotonin levels have been associated with depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.

Question 14

Pain-controlling chemicals in the body are called ________.

Accepted Answer

Endorphins are chemicals produced by the body that help to alleviate pain and promote feelings of pleasure and wellbeing. They are often referred to as natural painkillers. While neural regulators and histamines are involved in a variety of bodily processes, they are not directly associated with pain control. Androgens are a class of hormones that include testosterone, and while they may have indirect effects on pain perception, they are not typically considered "pain-controlling chemicals."

Question 15

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 16

Because they have similar chemical structures,morphine and heroin are able to lock into receptor sites for ________.

Accepted Answer

Morphine and heroin are both opioids and work by binding to endorphin receptors in the brain and body. Endorphins are the body's natural pain-relieving neurotransmitters. Therefore, the correct answer is D (endorphins).

Question 17

Curare,a poison,works by ________.

Accepted Answer

Curare works by blocking receptor sites and acting as an antagonist for acetylcholine, which prevents muscles from receiving signals to contract. This leads to paralysis and eventually death due to respiratory failure.

Question 18

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

Accepted Answer

Receptor sites are proteins located on the surface of cells that only allow certain molecules, like neurotransmitters, to bind to them and activate a response. This selective binding is like a locked door that only certain keys can open. Synapses refer to the junction between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released, but they do not have the selective binding characteristic of receptor sites. Neural chiasms and response terminals are not related to this concept.

Question 19

After being bitten by a black widow spider,Jean starts to convulse.This is a result of ________.

Accepted Answer

Black widow spider venom contains neurotoxins that cause a flood of acetylcholine to release into the body's muscle system, resulting in muscle spasms and convulsions.

Question 20

The two main divisions of the nervous system are the ________ and ________.

Accepted Answer

The peripheral nervous system includes all nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord, while the central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord. The autonomic and somatic nervous systems are sub-divisions of the peripheral nervous system. Glands and muscles are not divisions of the nervous system.

Quiz 2: The Biological Perspective