Deck 5: The Biological Bases of Behavior Part 1

Question 1

Branches are to trees as ____ are to neurons.

A) axons
B) cell bodies
C) dendrites
D) nuclei

Answer 1

dendrites

Question 2

In computers, when the print command is executed, a cable carries this signal from the computer to the printer. In comparing a computer to a neuron, the cable that carries the signal between the computer and the printer would be equivalent to

A) a refractory potential.
B) the axon.
C) the dendrites.
D) the soma.

Answer 2

the axon.

Question 3

The basic links that permit communication within the nervous system are the

A) glia.
B) bones.
C) muscles.
D) neurons.

Answer 3

neurons.

Question 4

Emma has multiple sclerosis. If you could view her nervous system, you would find

A) a lack of neurotransmitters in some neurons.
B) areas where the myelin sheath has degenerated.
C) areas where the dendrites are severely damaged.
D) a reduction in the number of chloride ions in her peripheral nervous system.

Question 5

Insulation is to hot water pipes as the ____ is to an axon.

A) synapse
B) soma
C) myelin sheath
D) terminal button

Question 6

____ receive information from other neurons; ____ transmit information to other neurons.

A) Axons; synapses
B) Dendrites; axons
C) Synapses; dendrites
D) Axons; dendrites

Question 7

Neurons are the nervous system cells that

A) receive, integrate, and transmit information.
B) insulate the other cells in the nervous system.
C) connect the other cells in the nervous system.
D) provide support for the other cells in the nervous system.

Question 8

Which of the following is the correct sequence of structures through which information flows in a neuron?

A) dendrites to soma to axon
B) axon to soma to dendrites
C) glia to dendrites to axon
D) dendrites to axon to glia

Question 9

In computers, the keyboard receives input and passes that information along to the computer's central processing unit (CPU). In comparing a computer to a neuron, the keyboard would be equivalent to

A) the soma.
B) the axon.
C) the dendrites.
D) the terminal buttons.

Question 10

The cells of the nervous system that do the work of receiving, integrating, and transmitting information are the

A) neurilemma.
B) glia.
C) neuroblasts.
D) neurons.

Question 11

The basic parts of a neuron are

A) vesicles, terminal buttons, synapses.
B) cell body, axon, dendrites.
C) myelin, nodes, axon terminals.
D) hindbrain, midbrain, forebrain.

Question 12

The correct order that information passes through in a neuron is

A) dendrite, soma, axon.
B) axon, soma, dendrite.
C) dendrite, axon, soma.
D) axon, dendrite, soma.

Question 13

The cells in the nervous system that receive, integrate, and transmit information are the

A) terminal cells.
B) glia cells.
C) neurons.
D) synapse cells.

Question 14

Most neurons have only one axon, yet it is said that a single neuron can connect to many other neurons. How does this occur?

A) Neurons do not connect to multiple other neurons; they have one axon that connects to a single other neuron.
B) Neuron axons end in clusters of terminal buttons that allow them to connect to multiple cells.
C) Most neurons have multiple axons and only one dendrite; and the single dendrite limits the number of neurons that a cell can link to.
D) Neurons actually have multiple axons that allow it to connect to other neurons.

Question 15

The part of the neuron that has branched extensions that are specialized to receive information are the

A) dendrites.
B) terminal buttons.
C) somas.
D) axons.

Question 16

The soma or cell body of a neuron

A) transmits signals towards other neurons.
B) receives information from other neurons.
C) contains the cell nucleus.
D) releases neurotransmitters.

Question 17

The portion of the neuron that can be equated to the "highway of the nervous system" is/are the

A) axon.
B) terminal buttons.
C) cell body.
D) dendrites.

Question 18

Faster neural impulses occur in

A) shorter axons.
B) insulated or myelinated axons.
C) uninsulated or unmyelinated axons.
D) neurons with extensive dendrites.

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT one of the main parts of a neuron?

A) soma
B) neurotransmitter
C) axon
D) dendrite

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT one of the main functions of neurons?

A) receiving information
B) generating information
C) transmitting information
D) integrating information

Question 21

Glia cells

A) release neuromodulators.
B) provide structural support for neurons.
C) release neurotransmitters.
D) form the primary components of the spinal cord.

Question 22

The difference in the flow rates of sodium and potassium ions across the cell membrane leads to

A) a slightly higher concentration of negatively charged ions inside the cell.
B) a negatively charged action potential.
C) a slightly lower concentration of negatively charged ions inside the cell.
D) both a negatively charged action potential and a slightly lower concentration of negatively charged ions inside the cell.

Question 23

The insulating material that encases some axons is referred to as the

A) soma.
B) corpus callosum.
C) myelin sheath.
D) dendritic tree.

Question 24

Bradley is deeply relaxed and his muscles are not moving at all. This suggests that, for Bradley's motor neurons

A) sodium ions are concentrated inside the neurons and potassium ions are concentrated outside the neurons.
B) sodium ions and potassium ions are both concentrated inside the neurons.
C) sodium ions and potassium ions are both concentrated outside the neurons.
D) sodium ions are concentrated outside the neurons and potassium ions are concentrated inside the neurons.

Question 25

Glia cells are the nervous system cells that

A) receive information from other cells.
B) transfer information within the nervous system.
C) transmit information to other cells.
D) provide support and insulation for other cells in the nervous system.

Question 26

The chemicals that are secreted from the terminal buttons into the synapse are

A) neurotransmitters.
B) action potentials.
C) antagonists.
D) agonists.

Question 27

The main function of dendrites is to

A) support and insulate the neuron.
B) release neurotransmitters.
C) transmit information.
D) receive information.

Question 28

When sodium channels open, allowing sodium ions to flow into a neuron, it causes

A) the likelihood of an action potential to decrease.
B) the axon hillock to become inactivated.
C) the likelihood of an action potential to increase.
D) the neuron to return to its resting potential.

Question 29

If Academy Awards were given out for cells in the nervous system the ____ cells would receive the "best supporting cell" award while the ____ would receive the "best cell" award.

A) neurons; myelin
B) glia; axon
C) myelin; axon
D) glia; neurons

Question 30

Cells found in the nervous system that insulate, nourish and direct the growth of neurons as well as remove dead neurons and waste products are known as

A) neurotransmitters.
B) myelin sheaths.
C) glia.
D) synapses.

Question 31

The cells in the nervous system that provide support and insulation for other cells are the

A) neurons.
B) glia cells.
C) synapse cells.
D) terminal cells.

Question 32

The main function of the axon is to

A) support and insulate the neuron.
B) release neurotransmitters.
C) transmit information.
D) receive information.

Question 33

Terminal buttons are located

A) in the synaptic cleft.
B) on the soma.
C) at the end of dendrites.
D) at the end of axons.

Question 34

The part of a neuron that transmits information away from the neuron and towards another neuron is the

A) synapse.
B) soma.
C) dendrites.
D) axon.

Question 35

The cells that provide structural support and insulation for neurons are called

A) glia.
B) somata.
C) neuromodulators.
D) dendrites.

Question 36

The insulation that covers some axons and increases the speed of transmission of the neural impulse is the

A) neurotransmitter sheath.
B) myelin sheath.
C) glia wrap.
D) terminal cover.

Question 37

The firing of a neuron is most similar to

A) a bowl overflowing as more water slowly drips into it.
B) the increase in sunlight as the sun rises.
C) a plane taking off or landing.
D) light coming on as a light switch is flipped.

Question 38

The electrical charge that exists between the inside and the outside of a neuron when the neuron is neither receiving nor sending is approximately

A) -1000 millivolts
B) +60 to +70 millivolts
C) -60 to -70 millivolts
D) +1000 millivolts

Question 39

Information is received by a neuron through the ____ and is transmitted towards other neurons through the ____.

A) dendrites; soma
B) dendrites; axon
C) axon; dendrites
D) soma; axon

Question 40

The tiny electrical charge that exists when a neuron is not receiving and/or sending information is called

A) an action potential.
B) a synaptic gap.
C) a resting potential.
D) a post synaptic potential.

Question 41

The minimum length of time between action potentials is determined by

A) transduction capacity.
B) transduction incapacity.
C) the absolute refractory period.
D) the relative threshold period.

Question 42

Fiona puts her hands into a sinkful of lukewarm water; Luke puts his hands into a sinkful of ice-cold water. Based on what is known about neural transmission, you could predict that the action potentials will

A) travel more quickly in Luke's system because the stimulus is more intense.
B) be weaker in Fiona's system because the stimulus is less intense.
C) be the same in both individuals due to the all-or-none principle.
D) travel a shorter distance in Luke's system because the stimulus is more intense.

Question 43

The process by which neural impulses are transmitted through the nervous system is best described as

A) biological in nature.
B) chemical in nature.
C) electrical in nature.
D) electrochemical in nature.

Question 44

The neurons in Michael's arm just sent a neural impulse. It will be 1-2 milliseconds before another neural impulse can be generated. This brief time period, when another neural impulse cannot occur, is called the

A) all-or-none period.
B) absolute refractory period.
C) resting potential.
D) postsynaptic discharge.

Question 45

When a neuron's electrical charge becomes positive and travels along the axon, the neuron is said to be firing

A) an electrical potential.
B) a resting potential.
C) an action potential.
D) a chemical potential.

Question 46

If action potentials follow the all-or-none principle how is it possible for us to distinguish between different levels of stimulus intensity?

A) The number of neurons affected codes for stimulus intensity.
B) The rate at which the cell fires codes for stimulus intensity.
C) Various neurons transmit neural impulses at different speeds.
D) Both b and c.

Question 47

Comparing a neuron to a gun that holds only a single bullet, the time it takes to reload the gun is similar to the neuron's

A) absolute firing rate.
B) relative firing rate.
C) absolute refractory period.
D) relative refractory period.

Question 48

When a neuron is at its resting potential it has

A) an unstable negative charge.
B) a stable negative charge.
C) an unstable positive charge.
D) a stable positive charge.

Question 49

The typical speed of an action potential is

A) dependent on the intensity of the excitatory signals.
B) between 2 and 200 miles per hour.
C) approximately the speed of light (186,000 miles/second).
D) approximately the speed of sound (740 miles/hour).

Question 50

After firing an action potential a neuron

A) can immediately fire additional action potentials.
B) cannot immediately fire another action potential.
C) can continue firing the original action potential for an extended period of time.
D) cannot fire another action potential until at least five minutes have elapsed.

Question 51

Action potentials

A) are stronger when the incoming stimulation is more intense.
B) are seldom strong enough to reach the terminal buttons.
C) travel more slowly if the incoming stimulation is less intense.
D) are generated in an all-or-none fashion.

Question 52

The electrical charge inside a neuron when it is in its resting state is approximately

A) +600 volts.
B) +60 millivolts.
C) -700 volts.
D) -70 millivolts.

Question 53

Leonard's mother became dehydrated during a recent illness, and the levels of sodium in her body were significantly reduced. If enough sodium was lost you might expect that

A) her nervous system would become highly activated and action potentials would be generated continuously.
B) fewer action potentials would occur in her nervous system.
C) more neurotransmitters would be produced in her terminal buttons.
D) glial cells would start to degenerate and die.

Question 54

As a neuron is stimulated and starts to receive information the neuron's electrical charge

A) becomes less negative
B) becomes more negative
C) immediately becomes positive
D) immediately affects the next neuron

Question 55

When a neuron is firing its action potential the neuron's electrical charge is

A) negative and travels along the axon.
B) negative and travels along the dendrite.
C) positive and travels along the axon.
D) positive and travels along the dendrite.

Question 56

Peggy smells a very strong odor; Harry smells an odor that is barely detectable. Based on what is known about neural transmission you could predict that the action potentials will

A) travel more quickly in Peggy's system because the stimulus is more intense.
B) be weaker in Harry's system because the stimulus is less intense.
C) travel a shorter distance in Peggy's system because the stimulus is more intense.
D) be the same in both individuals due to the all-or-none principle.

Question 57

An action potential is

A) the tiny electrical charge that exists when a neuron is neither receiving nor sending information.
B) an electrical signal that travels along the axon of a neuron.
C) the small gap that exists between adjacent neurons.
D) an electrical signal that travels along the dendrites of a neuron.

Question 58

If a neuron is not receiving any input or information, the neuron is at its

A) baseline potential.
B) neurotransmitter potential.
C) action potential.
D) resting potential.

Question 59

Neurotransmitters are secreted from the

A) myelin sheath.
B) terminal buttons.
C) neuromodulators.
D) dendrites.

Question 60

Sara is holding Scott's hand during a scary movie. Suddenly she squeezes his hand very hard. When she does this, the neurons in Scott's hand will

A) start to fire at a faster rate.
B) send stronger signals to his central nervous system.
C) enter an absolute refractory period.
D) release more chloride ions.

Question 61

Which statement most accurately describes the process of synaptic transmission?

A) As depolarization progresses the firing threshold is reached and an action potential occurs.
B) Synaptic vesicles secrete neurotransmitters which diffuse over to the receptor sites on the dendrites of another neuron.
C) After firing potassium ions rush out of the neural membrane in a process called repolarization.
D) The action potential jumps from one node to the next until it reaches the terminal buttons.

Question 62

Neurotransmitters are "recycled" to be used again through the process of

A) uptake.
B) absorb.
C) reuptake.
D) reabsorb.

Question 63

What event causes the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft?

A) the arrival of the action potential at the postsynaptic neuron
B) the arrival of the resting potential at the postsynaptic neuron
C) the arrival of the action potential at the terminal buttons
D) the arrival of the resting potential at the terminal buttons

Question 64

If IPSP's did not exist,

A) it would be "easier" for a neuron to fire its action potential.
B) it would be "harder" for a neuron to fire its action potential.
C) since the action potential happens according to the all-or-none principle there would be no effect on the ease at which the neuron fired its action potential.
D) action potentials would not occur.

Question 65

Neurotransmitters are stored in

A) mitochondria.
B) synaptic vesicles.
C) dendrites.
D) nacelles.

Question 66

According to the ____ law, a neuron fires an action potential at only one level of intensity.

A) all-or-none
B) threshold
C) refractory
D) action

Question 67

The space between a terminal button and a dendrite is referred to as the

A) midsynaptic potential range.
B) transmission gap.
C) neuromodulator.
D) synaptic cleft.

Question 68

Reabsorption of neurotransmitters into the presynaptic neuron is referred to as

A) cyclomyosis.
B) regrading.
C) uploading.
D) reuptake.

Question 69

The "all-or-none law" refers to the fact that

A) all neurons are active or none are active.
B) a neuron transmits an impulse of the same strength each time it fires an action potential.
C) the neuron fires several action potentials each second.
D) either all neurons are myelinated or none are.

Question 70

A good analogy for the way in which a neurotransmitter binds to receptor sites is

A) the opening and closing of a window.
B) a key fitting in the lock of a door.
C) the lowering of a drawbridge.
D) the pulling of the trigger of a gun.

Question 71

A postsynaptic potential occurs when

A) neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic cleft.
B) neurotransmitters are reabsorbed into the terminal buttons.
C) neurotransmitters bind or attach to receptor sites on the postsynaptic neuron.
D) neurotransmitters bind or attach to receptor sites on the presynaptic neuron.

Question 72

When neurotransmitters bind to or attach to receptor sites the probability of the postsynaptic neuron firing an action potential

A) changes.
B) increases.
C) decreases.
D) is not altered.

Question 73

When a neurotransmitter is released, but it does not fit into a suitable receptor channel on the postsynaptic neuron,

A) an inhibitory postsynaptic potential will be generated.
B) an excitatory postsynaptic potential will be generated.
C) the strength of the action potential in the presynaptic neuron will increase.
D) the firing potential of the postsynaptic neuron will not be affected.

Question 74

The elimination of old less active synapses is known as

A) synaptic reuptake.
B) synaptic pruning.
C) neurogenesis.
D) synaptic sculpting.

Question 75

Synaptic vesicles are structures that

A) control the speed with which a neuron fires.
B) manufacture myelin.
C) store neurotransmitters.
D) provide energy for a neuron's activity.

Question 76

The microscopic gap between the terminal buttons of one neuron and the cell membrane of another neuron is the

A) neurotransmitter cleft.
B) synaptic cleft.
C) presynaptic space.
D) postsynaptic space.

Question 77

An impulse moves from one neuron to another through the action of

A) neurotransmitters.
B) hormones.
C) action potentials.
D) neuromodulators.

Question 78

While ____ postsynaptic potentials increase the likelihood of the postsynaptic neuron firing an action potential, ____ postsynaptic potentials decrease the likelihood.

A) active; passive
B) axonic; dendritic
C) excitatory; inhibitory
D) inhibitory; excitatory

Question 79

An electric potential that increases the likelihood that the postsynaptic neuron will fire is called an

A) all-or-none potential.
B) inhibitory postsynaptic potential.
C) excitatory postsynaptic potential.
D) excitatory presynaptic potential.

Question 80

Which of the following is the correct sequence of steps through which neurotransmitters progress during synaptic transmission?

A) synthesis, release, binding, inactivation, reuptake
B) release, synthesis, binding, reuptake, inactivation
C) binding, synthesis, release, inactivation, reuptake
D) synthesis, binding, release, reuptake, inactivation