Exam 2: The Biological Basis of Behavior

Briefly discuss the purposes of and describe the procedure for studying the brain within each of the following general areas: microelectrode techniques, macroelectrode techniques, structural imaging, functional imaging.

The hemisphere of the brain most dominant in verbal tasks is the right hemisphere.

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

"Split brain" patients are patients who have had ________.

In research with human patients suffering from Parkinson's disease, fetal nerve cell transplants ________.

The sum total of all genes within a human cell is ________.

The function of the neuron's axon is to ________.

Neurons that carry messages from one neuron to another are called ________.

R. Rosenzweig examined rats by studying the ________.

The neurotransmitter known as the "mood molecule" is ________.

Despite its dangers, a young man continues to take cocaine because of the feelings of euphoria it produces for him. This powerful arousal of his nervous system is probably due to cocaine's ability to ________.

Describe the location and functioning of the medulla, cerebellum, thalamus, hypothalamus, and cerebral cortex.

________ techniques are used to study the functions of single neurons.

Compare and contrast the functions of the left and right hemispheres of the cerebral cortex. What role does the corpus callosum play in this functioning? Finally, what were the reasons for, and results of, split-brain operations?

A "split brain" patient is asked to stare at a spot on a screen. When a picture of an object is shown to the left of the spot, the patient can ________.

Adult brains are not capable of neurogenesis.

All the things that register through our senses (sights, sounds, smells, temperature, taste, and pressure) have their origins in the ________ nervous system.

Strain studies are conducted on animals and humans.

The two hormones which keep the blood-sugar level properly balanced are ________.

In many important psychological characteristics, a number of genes make a small contribution to the trait in question. This process is known as ________.