Deck 2: The Biological Basis of Behavior

Question 1

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

A) receive messages from neighboring neurons
B) regulate the neuron's life processes
C) insulate against leakage of electrical impulses
D) conduct electrical impulses toward other neurons

Answer 1

receive messages from neighboring neurons

Question 2

In regards to the brain, the term "plasticity" refers to ________.

A) easily broken or "cracked"
B) ability to adapt to new conditions
C) level of complexity
D) brittleness, or rigidity

Answer 2

ability to adapt to new conditions

Question 3

If an incoming message is not strong enough to cause a neuron to fire, it may cause a shift in the electrical charge of just a tiny area of the neuron. This shift, which quickly fades away, is called a(n) ________.

A) resting potential
B) action potential
C) transitional polarization
D) graded potential

Answer 3

graded potential

Question 4

Another term for a neural impulse is a(n) ________ potential.

A) resting
B) kinetic
C) graded
D) action

Question 5

The term "gray matter" refers to ________.

A) interneurons
B) myelinated axons
C) unmyelinated axons
D) glial cells

Question 6

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

A) conduct electrical electrochemical impulses toward other neurons, muscles, or glands
B) receive messages from neighboring neurons
C) regulate the neuron's life processes
D) insulate against leakage of electrical impulses

Question 7

When sodium ions flow into a neuron and depolarize it, they create ________.

A) an action potential
B) breakdown of the cell nucleus
C) a relative refractory period
D) internal combustion

Question 8

Neurons that collect messages from sense organs and carry those messages to the spinal cord or the brain are called ________.

A) motor neurons
B) primary neurons
C) sensory neurons
D) interneurons

Question 9

You are a cell in the human nervous system. Your primary function is to provide support for neurons, hold them together, and help remove waste products and other substances, which could otherwise harm them. You are a(n) ________ cell.

A) adipose
B) epidermal
C) glial
D) lymph

Question 10

When a neuron is polarized, ________.

A) both positive and negative ions are concentrated inside the neural membrane
B) positive ions are concentrated outside the neural membrane while negative ions are concentrated inside the membrane
C) negative ions are concentrated outside the neural membrane while positive ions are concentrated inside the membrane
D) both positive and negative ions are concentrated outside the neural membrane

Question 11

The field of psychobiology explores the ________.

A) evolution has shaped our instincts, drives, urges, and needs
B) biological foundations of behavior and mental processes
C) our mental state affects our physical health
D) behavioral patterns affect biological development

Question 12

A group of axons bundled together is called a ________.

A) nerve
B) synaptic vesicle
C) primary cluster
D) myelinated pathway

Question 13

The language used by neurons to communicate ________.

A) involves simple "yes-no," "on-off" electrochemical impulses
B) is not yet known, despite years of research
C) is extremely flexible and complex, similar to human spoken language
D) involves neurons transitioning from one of four different electrochemical states to another

Question 14

During its resting state, the electrical charge inside the neuron is ________ the electrical charge outside the neuron.

A) smaller than
B) positive compared to
C) negative compared to
D) larger than

Question 15

The primary purpose of the myelin sheath is to ________.

A) insulate the neuron so it can transmit information more efficiently
B) receive messages from outside the neuron and carry them to the cell nucleus
C) provide a place for neural respiration and cell metabolism to occur
D) provide a soft covering to hold axons in place

Question 16

The part of a neuron which contains the nucleus and has a complete set of the neuron's chromosomes and genes is the ________.

A) cell membrane
B) axon
C) dendrite
D) cell body

Question 17

Neurons typically have ________.

A) many axons and one dendrite
B) one axon and many dendrites
C) one axon and one dendrite
D) many axons and many dendrites

Question 18

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

A) efferent neurons
B) afferent neurons
C) interneurons
D) primary neurons

Question 19

The brain of the average human being contains approximately 86 billion __________.

A) neurons
B) lobes
C) glands
D) nerves

Question 20

Terminal buttons release chemicals called ________.

A) hormones
B) neurotransmitters
C) antibodies
D) antigens

Question 21

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 ________.

A) inhibit enzymes that break down neurotransmitters
B) block the receptor sites for neurotransmitters
C) increase the release of dopamine
D) allow excess amounts of dopamine to accumulate in the synapses

Question 22

The nervous system is comprised of two major parts - the ________.

A) central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system
B) brain and the spinal cord
C) afferent nervous system and the efferent nervous system
D) sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system

Question 23

Research on human brain tissue has found that human brains are ________.

A) capable of neurogenesis only during early childhood
B) capable of neurogenesis only through adolescence
C) capable of neurogenesis even in adulthood
D) not capable of neurogenesis after birth

Question 24

After drinking several cups of strong coffee, a person develops "coffee nerves" or "jitters." This probably is due to the ability of caffeine to ________.

A) block adenosine receptor sites
B) cause neurotransmitters to leak out of the synaptic vesicles and be destroyed by enzymes
C) cause an increase in the release of excitatory neurotransmitters
D) inhibit enzymes which break down excitatory neurotransmitters

Question 25

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

A) dopamine
B) norepinephrine
C) acetylcholine
D) serotonin

Question 26

Endorphins ________.

A) are less powerful than enkaphalins
B) reduce pain messages in the brain
C) are radically different in function from neurotransmitters
D) are found where neurons meet skeletal muscles

Question 27

The brain and spinal cord contain about ________ percent of the body's neurons.

A) 40
B) 65
C) 15
D) 90

Question 28

A frog muscle is stimulated with an electric current but the muscle doesn't twitch. This probably happens because ________.

A) ionic balance has been restored
B) the synapses are underactive
C) the threshold of excitation was not reached
D) the graded potential is too great

Question 29

Immediately after firing, a neuron cannot fire again no matter how strong the incoming messages may be. This period is called the ________ period.

A) relative refractory
B) primary refractory
C) polarization
D) absolute refractory

Question 30

When a neural impulse reaches the end of an axon, it causes tiny oval sacs at the end of the axon to release chemicals called ________.

A) hormones
B) neurotransmitters
C) antioxidants
D) electrolytes

Question 31

R. Rosenzweig examined rats by studying the ________.

A) behavioral effects of lesions in different parts of their brains
B) sexual orientation effects of prenatal exposure to maternal hormones
C) effects on their brains of electrical stimulation to the frontal and parietal lobes
D) effects on their brains of exposure to impoverished or enriched environments

Question 32

An elderly male is diagnosed as having Alzheimer's disease. His physician tells him the disorder involves a deficiency of ________.

A) acetylcholine
B) serotonin
C) norepinephrine
D) dopamine

Question 33

A neuron is likely to fire ________ when stimulated by a strong signal.

A) in a coded sequence
B) for a longer period of time
C) more often
D) more intensely

Question 34

The "all or none law" is the principle stating that ________.

A) a neuron fires at full strength or not at all
B) all neurons in an area fire at the same intensity or not at all
C) a neuron must be receiving only "fire" messages through its dendrites or it will not fire at all
D) all the neurons in a particular area of the brain fire simultaneously or not at all

Question 35

Undifferentiated precursor cells that, under the right conditions, can give rise to any specialized cell in the body are called ________ cells.

A) stem
B) receptor
C) glial
D) T-cells

Question 36

Depression is linked to an ________.

A) oversupply of serotonin and an undersupply of norepinephrine
B) undersupply of serotonin and an oversupply of norepinephrine
C) undersupply of serotonin and norepinephrine
D) oversupply of serotonin and norepinephrine

Question 37

A person with schizophrenia is most likely to have a problem with which of the following neurotransmitters?

A) dopamine
B) serotonin
C) acetylcholine
D) norepinephrine

Question 38

The action potential causes neurotransmitters to be released into the ________.

A) cell membrane
B) synaptic space
C) axon
D) myelin sheath

Question 39

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

A) dopamine
B) serotonin
C) endorphins
D) acetylcholine

Question 40

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

A) resulted in only sporadic, temporary improvements in motor control
B) improved motor control for periods of only 1 to 4 years
C) improved motor control for periods of 5 to 10 years
D) resulted in no improvement in motor control

Question 41

The lobe of the brain that serves as the "executive control center" for the brain is the ________ lobe.

A) occipital
B) frontal
C) parietal
D) temporal

Question 42

After his last class, Carlos went out to his car to get some books to return to the library. He found that during the day someone had badly smashed his rear bumper. He was furious and began pounding on the hood and shouting obscenities. What area of the brain was guiding his behavior?

A) the hypothalamus
B) the medulla
C) the thalamus
D) the midbrain

Question 43

The part of the brain responsible for emotional behavior such as experiencing rage, terror, or pleasure is the ________.

A) amygdala
B) hippocampus
C) thalamus
D) hypothalamus

Question 44

The part of the hindbrain that controls functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure is the ________.

A) cerebral cortex
B) medulla
C) cerebellum
D) pons

Question 45

A baby is born with an impairment of his left cerebral hemisphere, but it is not discovered until years later, when certain clues are pieced together. Which of the following is most likely to be one of those clues?

A) He has difficulty identifying colors.
B) He has difficulty perceiving concepts and spatial relationships.
C) He has difficulty learning to read.
D) He has difficulty recognizing people's faces.

Question 46

The section of the frontal lobe responsible for voluntary movement is the ________.

A) primary motor cortex
B) association areas
C) primary somatosensory cortex
D) sensory projection areas

Question 47

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 ________.

A) pick the object out of a group of hidden objects using her right hand, but cannot identify it verbally
B) identify the object verbally and pick it out of a group of hidden objects using her right hand
C) identify the object verbally and pick it out of a group of hidden objects using her left hand
D) pick the object out of a group of hidden objects using her left hand, but cannot identify it verbally

Question 48

Which hemisphere of the cerebral cortex is usually dominant in language tasks?

A) the front hemisphere
B) the right hemisphere
C) the rear hemisphere
D) the left hemisphere

Question 49

Anesthetics work primarily by shutting down the ________.

A) endocrine system
B) reticular formation
C) limbic system
D) dopamine receptor sites

Question 50

The limbic system is responsible for ________.

A) controlling learning and emotional behavior
B) connecting the brain to the rest of the body
C) filtering incoming messages to the brain
D) fighting disease organisms that attempt to infect the brain

Question 51

After an industrial accident in which George fell from a scaffold and hit his head, he has had trouble following directions or completing his normal work tasks. He is also apathetic, although he has periods of boastfulness and silliness. The damaged part of his brain is probably the ________ lobes.

A) occipital
B) parietal
C) temporal
D) frontal

Question 52

Corey was in an automobile accident that resulted in an injury to her brain. She now has difficulty reading road maps and telling other people how to get somewhere. She has most likely suffered an injury to her ________ lobe.

A) occipital
B) temporal
C) frontal
D) parietal

Question 53

Messages from the sense receptors are registered in those areas of the brain called the ________.

A) hemispheric lateralization areas
B) primary somatosensory cortex
C) motor projection areas
D) association areas

Question 54

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

A) their cerebellum split in the middle
B) their brain stem cut down the middle
C) their corpus callosum cut
D) a prefrontal lobotomy

Question 55

The area of the frontal lobe that is crucial in our ability to talk is ________ area.

A) Gall's
B) Broca's
C) Korsakoff's
D) Wernicke's

Question 56

The intricate network of folds that line the outer surface of the cerebral cortex, allowing it to fit inside the skull, are called ________.

A) convolutions
B) sensory projection areas
C) association areas
D) motor projections

Question 57

The ________ is believed to be the earliest part of the brain to evolve.

A) midbrain
B) hindbrain
C) forebrain
D) limbic system

Question 58

Corey was in an automobile accident that resulted in an injury to her brain. She now has difficulty with her hearing and her ability to recognize faces. The part of her brain most likely injured was her ________ lobe.

A) frontal
B) temporal
C) occipital
D) parietal

Question 59

The cerebellum ________.

A) controls blood pressure
B) relays messages from the sensory receptors
C) coordinates actions so that movements are efficient
D) governs hunger, thirst, and body temperature

Question 60

A college student is having difficulty staying awake during the day and sleeping through the night. This difficulty is most likely due to problems in the ________.

A) cerebellum
B) basal ganglia
C) pons
D) substantia nigra

Question 61

Amy has suffered damage to Wernicke's area in her brain. She is most likely to exhibit ________ aphasia.

A) inclusive
B) receptive
C) occlusive
D) expressive

Question 62

Males are ________ likely than females to be left-handed.

A) much less
B) slightly more
C) much more
D) slightly less

Question 63

The spinal cord is made up of soft, jellylike bundles of long ________.

A) ligaments
B) axons
C) dendrites
D) tendons

Question 64

An imaging technique that has been useful in helping researchers discover the biological origins of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is ________.

A) magnetoencephalogaphy (MEG)
B) positron emission tomography (PET) scanning
C) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
D) magnetic source imaging (MSI)

Question 65

The gland that produces the largest number of different hormones and has the widest range of effects on the body's functions is the ________ gland.

A) thyroid
B) pineal
C) adrenal
D) pituitary

Question 66

The branch of the autonomic nervous system that calms and relaxes the body is the ________ division.

A) parasympathetic
B) secondary
C) sympathetic
D) central

Question 67

The branch of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for quick action in an emergency is the ________ division.

A) sympathetic
B) central
C) secondary
D) parasympathetic

Question 68

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

A) Structural imaging
B) Macroelectrode
C) Microelectrode
D) Functional imaging

Question 69

The system which coordinates and integrates behavior by secreting chemicals into the bloodstream is called the ________ system.

A) somatic
B) limbic
C) autonomic
D) endocrine

Question 70

The hormone melatonin is produced by the ________ gland.

A) pituitary
B) pineal
C) adrenal
D) thyroid

Question 71

A young woman returns from a day at the beach to find she has developed severe sunburn. Which neurons are sending messages from her burned skin to her brain informing her of the pain from the burn?

A) motor neurons
B) interaction neurons
C) afferent neurons
D) efferent neurons

Question 72

Functional imaging techniques are used to ________.

A) observe the brain's activity as it reacts to sensory stimuli
B) study single neurons
C) study overall activity in particular regions of the brain
D) map structures in the living brain

Question 73

Structural imaging techniques are used to ________.

A) study overall activity in particular regions of the brain
B) map structures in the living brain
C) study single neurons
D) observe neural activity as it reacts to sensory stimuli

Question 74

You're walking all alone down a dark street when suddenly you hear a scream and then footsteps coming closer and closer. Your heart begins to pound, you're scared stiff, and you feel like running. Which part of the nervous system causes your body's reaction?

A) the somatic nervous system
B) the autonomic nervous system
C) the midbrain
D) the hippocampus

Question 75

All the things that we can sense (sights, sounds, smells, temperature, taste, and pressure) have their origins in the ________ nervous system.

A) secondary
B) peripheral
C) central
D) autonomic

Question 76

Macroelectrode techniques are used to ________.

A) observe neural activity as it reacts to sensory stimuli
B) study single neurons
C) study overall activity in particular regions of the brain
D) map structures in the living brain

Question 77

Gloria's friends have recently noticed a startling change in her behavior. She eats everything in sight but gains little, if any, weight. She speeds around the room as if she were taking amphetamines. She seems constantly tense and agitated, and has trouble sleeping. She has become impulsive and lately she seems to be upset by even the slightest stress. The source of Gloria's problems is probably an ________ gland.

A) overactive pituitary
B) overactive thyroid
C) underactive pituitary
D) underactive thyroid

Question 78

Neurons that carry messages from the sense organs to the spinal cord or the brain are called ________ neurons.

A) afferent
B) sensory
C) inter-
D) efferent

Question 79

Simply put, Broca's area is important for ________, and Wernicke's area is important for ________.

A) talking; listening
B) listening; talking
C) listening; listening
D) talking; talking

Question 80

Allan gingerly puts his fingertips on the hot handle of the skillet in which he's cooking supper, but he instantly pulls his hand away. His reaction is due to the functioning of the ________.

A) medulla
B) limbic system
C) spinal cord
D) hypothalamus