Deck 2: Biology and Behavior

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a function of glial cells?

A) removing waste products
B) providing nourishment
C) generating new neurons
D) holding neurons together

Answer 1

generating new neurons

Question 2

The part of a neuron that contains the nucleus and keeps the entire cell alive and functioning is the __________

A) axon.
B) cell membrane.
C) dendrite.
D) soma.

Answer 2

soma.

Question 3

The part of the neuron whose name literally means "tree" is __________

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

Answer 3

dendrite.

Question 4

These are the most numerous of the specialized neurons in the central nervous system.

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

Question 5

While some axons are short - only thousandths of an inch long - others can be up to __________ in length.

A) one foot
B) one meter
C) six feet
D) one mile

Question 6

Which of the following are the three basic types of neurons?

A) reflexes, sensory neurons, motor neurons
B) sensory neurons, motor neurons, stem cells
C) motor neurons, stem cells, reflexes
D) interneurons, sensory neurons, motor neurons

Question 7

Your teacher asks you to describe the sequence of parts of a neuron that the impulse travels during neural conduction. Which of the following sequences will you offer?

A) dendrites, axon, soma, synaptic knob
B) terminal buttons, axon, soma, dendrites
C) axon, soma, dendrites, synaptic knob
D) dendrites, soma, axon, synaptic knob

Question 8

What is the term used to describe the branches located at the end of the axon?

A) axon terminals
B) synaptic vesicles
C) synapses
D) receptor sites

Question 9

A specialized cell that makes up the nervous system that receives and sends messages within that system is called a __________

A) glial cell.
B) neuron.
C) cell body.
D) myelin sheath.

Question 10

Which part of the neuron is responsible for maintaining the life of the cell?

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

Question 11

Specialized cells that are responsible for holding neurons together are called __________ cells.

A) schwann
B) glial
C) amacrine
D) bipolar

Question 12

Which part of a neuron is attached to the soma and carries messages out to other cells?

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

Question 13

Neurons that carry information from the senses to the spinal cord are called __________

A) motor neurons.
B) interneurons.
C) sensory neurons.
D) reflexes.

Question 14

What term is used to describe a specialized cell that makes up the nervous system and receives and sends messages within that system?

A) neuron
B) glial cell
C) myelin sheath
D) dendritic spine

Question 15

The function of the neuron's axon is to __________

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

Question 16

The branches at the end of the axon are called__________

A) axon terminals.
B) synaptic vesicles.
C) synapses.
D) receptor sites.

Question 17

Which of the following are responsible for acting as a facilitator of communication between neurons?

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

Question 18

LaKeisha stepped on a piece of glass and quickly pulled her foot away from that sharp object. Which of the following are responsible for sending a message to the muscles in LaKeisha's foot, resulting in her pulling her foot away from the piece of glass?

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

Question 19

The branchlike structures that receive messages from other neurons are called __________

A) axons.
B) nerve bundles.
C) dendrites.
D) synapses.

Question 20

__________ receive messages from other neurons and __________send messages to other neurons.

A) Axons; dendrites
B) Axons; soma
C) Soma; glial cells
D) Dendrites; axons

Question 21

The action potential causes neurotransmitters to be released into the ___________

A) myelin sheath.
B) axon.
C) synapse.
D) synaptic vesicle.

Question 22

When a cell is "at rest," it is in a state called the __________.

A) stopping point
B) obcipitation junction
C) resting potential
D) action potential

Question 23

This disease involves deterioration of the myelin sheath.

A) Huntington's Chorea
B) Wilson's disease
C) William's Elfin Faces Syndrome
D) multiple sclerosis

Question 24

Which of the following best describes the firing of a neuron (action potential)?

A) a change in axonal membrane permeability facilitating an inflow of positive ions
B) an electrical current initiated in the cell body which flows the length of the axon
C) the opening of ion channels, promoting a negative charge within the axonal membrane
D) the transmission of neuronal impulses across the synaptic cleft

Question 25

"All or none" is the principle stating that __________

A) a neuron either fires or does not fire.
B) a neuron fires at full strength or not at all.
C) all the dendrites must be receiving messages telling the neuron to fire or it will not fire at all.
D) all somas must be receiving messages telling the neuron to fire or it will not fire at all.

Question 26

During action potential, the electrical charge inside the neuron is __________ the electrical charge outside the neuron.

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

Question 27

What do we call the state of a neuron when it is not firing a neural impulse?

A) action potential
B) resting potential
C) myelination signal
D) transmission impulse

Question 28

The membrane potential of a neuron at rest, or what is termed its "resting potential," is about __________

A) -50 millivolts.
B) -70 millivolts.
C) +50 millivolts.
D) +70 millvolts.

Question 29

When a neuron fires, it fires in a(n) __________ fashion as there is no such thing as "partial" firing.

A) all-or-none
B) rapid fire
C) accidental patterned
D) quick successioned

Question 30

One purpose of the __________ is to speed up the neural message traveling down the axon.

A) receptor site
B) axon terminal
C) myelin
D) synaptic vesicle

Question 31

When the electric potential in a cell is in action versus a resting state, this electrical charge reversal is known as the __________

A) resting potential.
B) excitation reaction.
C) action potential.
D) permeable reaction.

Question 32

Which of the following are tiny sacs in a synaptic knob that release chemicals into the synapse?

A) synaptic vesicles
B) synaptic nodes
C) terminal buttons
D) synaptic gaps

Question 33

What is the function of myelin?

A) to serve as a structure for neurons
B) to monitor neural activity
C) to speed up the neural impulse
D) to produce neurotransmitters

Question 34

A fatty substance that is wrapped around the shaft of axons in the nervous system and whose function is to insulate neurons and speed up the neural impulse is called a __________

A) synaptic vesicle.
B) dendrite.
C) glial cell.
D) myelin cell.

Question 35

This structure of the neuron plays a role similar to the "rubber coating" on an electrical cord.

A) axon
B) dendrites
C) soma
D) myelin sheath

Question 36

The tiny gaps in the myelin where the axon is exposed are called the nodes of __________

A) Ranvier.
B) Synapse.
C) Vesicle.
D) Miron.

Question 37

The state during which a neuron contains more negatively charged ions inside the cell than outside the cell and is not firing is referred to as the__________

A) action potential.
B) quiet potential.
C) synaptic potential.
D) resting potential.

Question 38

After a neuron experiences an action potential, it must wait for 1 or 2 milliseconds before it can fire again. This period of time is called the __________ period.

A) rejuvenation
B) resting potential
C) reticular activating
D) refractory

Question 39

The action potential is to __________ millivolts, as the resting potential is to __________ millivolts.

A) -50; +70
B) -50; -70
C) +70; +50
D) +50, -70

Question 40

The tiny space between the axon terminal of one neuron and the dendrites of the next neuron is called the __________

A) receptor site.
B) synapse.
C) synaptic knob.
D) axon terminal.

Question 41

__________ is the process by which neurotransmitters are reclaimed by the axon terminal intact, and then are repackaged for immediate use.

A) Reception
B) Synaptic transmission
C) Reuptake
D) Reversal

Question 42

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

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

Question 43

The saclike structures found inside the synaptic knob containing chemicals are called__________

A) axon terminals.
B) synapses.
C) synaptic vesicles.
D) receptor sites.

Question 44

A chemical found in the synaptic vesicles which, when released, has an effect on the next cell is called a __________

A) glial cell.
B) neurotransmitter.
C) precursor cell.
D) synapse.

Question 45

Which of the following structures of a neuron takes its name from a Latin word that means "little bladder?"

A) synapse
B) dendrite
C) neurotransmitter
D) synaptic vesicle

Question 46

__________ neurotransmitters make it more likely that a neuron will send its message to other neurons, whereas __________ neurotransmitters make it less likely that a neuron will send its message.

A) Excitatory; inhibitory
B) Inhibitory; excitatory
C) Augmentation; depletion
D) Depletion; augmentation

Question 47

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

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

Question 48

This is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain.

A) glutamate
B) GABA
C) serotonin
D) dopamine

Question 49

Endorphins are __________

A) found where neurons meet skeletal muscles.
B) less powerful than enkaphalins.
C) pain-controlling chemicals.
D) radically different in function from neurotransmitters.

Question 50

GABA functions as __________

A) the major neurotransmitter involved in voluntary movements.
B) an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.
C) the neurotransmitter responsible for slowing intestinal activity during stress.
D) the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain.

Question 51

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

A) Acetylcholine
B) GABA
C) Dopamine
D) Endorphin

Question 52

The term "gap junction" specifically refers to __________

A) an action potential.
B) chemical synaptic transmission.
C) electrical synaptic transmission.
D) a neuron's resting potential.

Question 53

The effect of alcohol is to stimulate the release of __________, which causes the general inhibition of the nervous system associated with getting drunk.

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

Question 54

Pain-controlling chemicals in the body are called __________

A) neural regulators.
B) histamines.
C) androgens.
D) endorphins.

Question 55

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

A) synapses
B) receptor
C) neural chiasms
D) response terminals

Question 56

__________ are holes in the surface of the dendrites or certain cells of the muscles and glands that are shaped to fit only certain neurotransmitters.

A) Neurotransmitters
B) Axons
C) Synaptic vesicles
D) Receptors

Question 57

Which of the following is not one of the monoamine neurotransmitters?

A) Serotonin
B) Epinephrine
C) Dopamine
D) Acetylcholine

Question 58

Joseph has been diagnosed with Alzheimers disease, and as the illness progresses he is slowly losing his memory skills. Which neurotransmitter is most likely to be underperforming in Joseph's brain?

A) GABA
B) Acetylcholine
C) Dopamine
D) Endorphins

Question 59

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?

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

Question 60

The term neurotransmitter refers to __________

A) a chemical found in the synaptic vesicles that is released into the synapse.
B) any one of a number of chemical compounds that increase the activity of the endocrine system.
C) the chemical substance found in the cell membrane.
D) the DNA contained in the nucleus of every neuron.

Question 61

Cameron touches a hot iron and immediately pulls his hand away. His quick response occurs because__________

A) the pain message goes up the spinal column to the central area of the spinal cord instead of going all the way to the brain.
B) the brain has registered that pain is occurring and responds quickly.
C) his glands have secreted chemical messengers called hormones.
D) neurons in the spinal cord touch end to end to increase response speed.

Question 62

Which of the following coordinates involuntary rapid movements?

A) medulla
B) pons
C) reticular formation
D) cerebellum

Question 63

Damage to the cerebellum is likely to disrupt which of the following?

A) playing basketball
B) sleeping
C) homeostasis
D) thinking

Question 64

Which of the following is responsible for the ability to selectively attend to certain kinds of information in one's surroundings and become alert to changes?

A) reticular formation
B) pons
C) medulla
D) cerebellum

Question 65

The long bundle of neurons that carries messages to and from the body to the brain and is responsible for very fast, lifesaving reflexes is called the __________

A) spinal cord.
B) brain.
C) reflexes.
D) interneurons.

Question 66

A college student is having difficulty staying awake during the day and sleeping through the night. Her difficulties are MOST likely due to problems in the __________

A) hippocampus.
B) pons.
C) medulla.
D) cerebellum.

Question 67

The function of the __________ is to carry information to and from all parts of the body.

A) soma
B) synapse
C) nervous system
D) endorphins

Question 68

An auto accident rendered Chris's nervous system unable to send messages for him to breathe, so he is on a respirator. Which brain structure was damaged in the accident?

A) pons
B) medulla
C) cerebellum
D) reticular formation

Question 69

The cerebellum _________

A) controls blood pressure.
B) is involved in emotional behavior.
C) coordinates involuntary rapid movement that requires smooth, skilled movements.
D) relays messages from the sensory receptors.

Question 70

The brain and spinal cord are two components of the __________

A) central nervous system.
B) somatic nervous system.
C) peripheral nervous system.
D) autonomic nervous system.

Question 71

What is the main function of the reticular formation?

A) to control thinking
B) to regulate emotions
C) to control levels of alertness
D) to coordinate involuntary rapid fine-motor movements

Question 72

Alice is typing her term paper in the computer lab. Although a class is going on just a few feet away, she does not seem to notice. Which part of the brain allows Alice to focus on her typing and ignore the distractions that surround her?

A) reticular formation
B) pons
C) medulla
D) cerebellum

Question 73

The central nervous system consists of __________

A) the parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions.
B) the brain and spinal cord.
C) muscles and glands.
D) sense organs and sensory neurons.

Question 74

Because they have similar chemical structures, morphine and other opiates are able to lock into receptor sites for __________

A) GABA.
B) serotonin.
C) dopamine.
D) endorphins.

Question 75

The two main divisions of the nervous system are the __________ and __________

A) brain; spinal cord.
B) autonomic; somatic nervous systems.
C) peripheral nervous system; central nervous system.
D) glands; muscles.

Question 76

The __________ transmits messages between the brain and the peripheral nervous system.

A) spinal cord
B) medulla
C) pons
D) corpus callosum

Question 77

Which of the following is a long bundle of neurons that functions as a carrier of messages from the body to the brain and from the brain to the body and is responsible for certain reflexes?

A) spinal cord
B) cerebellum
C) somatic nervous system
D) amygdala

Question 78

The __________ is a structure in the brain stem responsible for life-sustaining functions, such as breathing and heart rate.

A) reticular activating system
B) pons
C) medulla
D) cerebellum

Question 79

Endorphins are responsible for which of the following?

A) an epileptic seizure
B) anxiety
C) a "runner's high"
D) drowsiness

Question 80

Why do many reflexes, such as pulling your hand away from a hot iron, happen so quickly?

A) they involve the neurotransmitter GABA rather than dopamine
B) the message involved does not have to go all the way to the brain
C) the speed of processing is faster in the frontal lobes than in the occipital lobes
D) the path that reflexes follow to the brain is direct and does not involve any neurotransmitters