Question 1

This cross-sectional drawing of the human brain depicts four structures that are key components of the limbic system. Which brain structure plays a critical role in forming new memories?

Accepted Answer

The hippocampus is a key component of the limbic system and plays a critical role in forming new memories. It is involved in the consolidation of short-term memories into long-term memories, as well as spatial navigation and spatial memory. The hypothalamus is involved in regulating functions such as hunger, thirst and hormone production, while the thalamus is involved in sensory processing. The amygdala is important for processing emotions and fear.

Question 2

Your nephew's eyes suddenly light up and he reaches out, executes a double-jump of your checker pieces, then smiles at you triumphantly. The brain signals for these voluntary actions originate in the _____ of your nephew's brain.

Accepted Answer

The primary motor cortex is responsible for initiating voluntary movements, such as executing a double-jump in a game of checkers. The somatosensory cortex is involved in processing sensory information related to touch, while the temporal lobe is involved in auditory processing and the hippocampus is involved in memory consolidation.

Question 3

According to your text, there is good evidence to show that neurogenesis takes place in which region(s) of the adult human brain?

Accepted Answer

The text states that "there is strong evidence for the ongoing process of neurogenesis in the hippocampus of the adult human brain." A, B, and C are not mentioned as regions where neurogenesis takes place.

Question 4

This image depicts the left hemisphere of the cerebral cortex. Which area processes information about body sensations and contains the somatosensory cortex?

Accepted Answer

The parietal lobe processes information about body sensations and contains the somatosensory cortex. It is located in the middle part of the cerebral cortex, behind the frontal lobe.

Question 5

Which parts of the body have the greatest representation on the primary motor cortex?

Accepted Answer

The hand and facial muscles have the greatest representation on the primary motor cortex, as they require fine motor control and are involved in many complex movements. This is reflected in the amount of cortical space dedicated to these areas, which is much greater than that devoted to the leg and arm muscles, head and neck muscles, or chest and back muscles.

Question 6

Which of the following body areas has (have) the greatest degree of representation on the primary motor cortex and the somatosensory cortex?

Accepted Answer

The face has the greatest degree of representation on the primary motor cortex and the somatosensory cortex. This is because the face has fine motor control and is important for communication, expression, and sensing the environment.

Question 7

The signals for voluntary muscle movements originate in a band of tissue called the _____, which is located on the _____ lobe.

Accepted Answer

The signals for voluntary muscle movements originate in the primary motor cortex, which is located on the frontal lobe.

Question 8

This drawing depicts the left hemisphere of the cerebral cortex. Of the choices provided, which correctly labels the drawing?

Accepted Answer

The drawing depicts the left hemisphere of the cerebral cortex, with four different areas labeled. Based on their locations and functions, these areas are most likely the primary motor cortex (1), somatosensory cortex (2), primary visual cortex (3), and primary auditory cortex (4). These are all areas involved in processing sensory information or controlling movement, which are commonly associated with the cerebral cortex. Therefore, choice B correctly labels the drawing with these functional areas. Choices A, C, and D either incorrectly label the areas or include irrelevant structures.

Question 9

Which of the following statements is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

The primary motor cortex does not contain a proportional representation of each part of the body. Rather, there is a disproportionate amount of representation for areas involved in fine motor movements, such as the hands and face. This is referred to as the motor homunculus.

Question 10

This drawing depicts the left hemisphere of the cerebral cortex. Which letter points to the area where the signals for voluntary muscle movements are initiated?

Accepted Answer

The area where the signals for voluntary muscle movements are initiated is the frontal lobe and primary motor cortex, which is located in the precentral gyrus of the frontal lobe. This area is responsible for controlling voluntary movements of skeletal muscles on the opposite side of the body.

Question 11

The hippocampus plays a key role in:

Accepted Answer

The hippocampus is known to play a crucial role in forming new memories. It is responsible for consolidating short-term memories into long-term memories and transferring them to other areas of the brain for storage.

Answer: D 
 The hippocampus also plays a role in emotional responses, particularly fear and anxiety. Research suggests that the hippocampus is involved in both the acquisition and extinction of fear memories.

Therefore, the correct answer is C and D.

Question 12

This drawing depicts the left hemisphere of the cerebral cortex. Which letter points to the area where visual information is processed?

Accepted Answer

The primary visual cortex, also known as V1 or the striate cortex, is located in the occipital lobe and is responsible for processing visual information from the eyes.

Question 13

This cross-sectional drawing of the human brain depicts four structures that are key components of the limbic system. Which brain structure processes and integrates information from all the senses except smell?

Accepted Answer

The thalamus is responsible for processing and integrating sensory information from all senses except smell. The hypothalamus is involved in regulation of basic survival behaviors such as feeding, drinking, and reproduction. The hippocampus is responsible for memory formation and emotional regulation. The amygdala is involved in emotional processing, particularly fear and anxiety.

Question 14

This cross-sectional drawing of the human brain depicts four structures that are key components of the limbic system. Of the choices provided, which correctly labels the structures in the drawing?

Accepted Answer

The answer of This cross-sectional drawing of the human brain...

Question 15

The structures that make up the limbic system are the:

Accepted Answer

The structures that make up the limbic system are the hippocampus (involved in memory formation), thalamus (sensory relay center), amygdala (involved in emotional responses), and hypothalamus (involved in regulating basic physiological functions such as hunger, thirst, and sexual behavior). Therefore, option B is the correct choice. Option A is incorrect because the pituitary gland and adrenal glands are not part of the limbic system, although they are influenced by it. Option C includes structures such as the cerebellum that are not part of the limbic system. Option D refers to the lobes of the cerebral cortex, which are not part of the limbic system.

Question 16

A large bulk of the cerebral cortex is not devoted to any particular sensory or motor function. Rather, these areas, known as _____, are generally thought to be involved in processing and integrating sensory and motor information.

Accepted Answer

The statement describes the function of association areas, which are large parts of the cerebral cortex that are not dedicated to specific sensory or motor functions but rather the integration and processing of sensory and motor information. Secondary cortex areas are not a commonly recognized term for cortical regions. The limbic system is a separate system involved in emotion processing and memory formation. Broca's and Wernicke's areas are specific regions associated with language processing. Therefore, the best answer is B) association areas.

Question 17

After an automobile accident, Randy experienced a series of severe seizures. After the seizures stopped, Randy's ability to form new memories was greatly impaired. Which brain structure did Randy's seizures most likely damage?

Accepted Answer

The hippocampus is a crucial structure for new memory formation, so damage to this area can result in significant impairments to memory function. The hypothalamus is involved in regulating certain bodily functions such as hunger and thirst, but not memory. The somatosensory cortex processes sensory information from the body, and the thalamus relays sensory information to the cortex, but neither of these structures play a primary role in memory formation.

Question 18

Which of the following brain structures is NOT a key component of the limbic system?

Accepted Answer

The reticular formation is not a key component of the limbic system, but rather a network of neurons found in the brainstem that is involved in regulating arousal and attention. The other three choices (B, C, and D) are all key components of the limbic system, which is involved in emotions, motivation, and memory.

Question 19

This cross-sectional drawing of the human brain depicts four structures that are key components of the limbic system. Which brain structure regulates survival behaviors, such as eating, drinking, fear, aggression, and sleep-wake cycles?

Accepted Answer

The hypothalamus is a key component of the limbic system that regulates survival behaviors, such as eating, drinking, fear, aggression, and sleep-wake cycles. The thalamus is involved in sensory processing and relaying information to the cortex, while the hippocampus is important for memory formation and retrieval. The amygdala plays a role in emotional processing, including fear and aggression, but it is not primarily responsible for regulating survival behaviors.

Question 20

How is each part of the body represented on the somatosensory cortex?

Accepted Answer

The somatosensory cortex represents each part of the body in proportion to the amount of sensory input it receives, which is related to the sensitivity of the body part to somatic sensations. Therefore, parts of the body that are more sensitive, such as the hands and face, occupy larger areas of the somatosensory cortex compared to less sensitive body parts.

Quiz 2: Neuroscience and Behavior