Deck 3: Biological Foundations of Behaviour

Question 1

The presence of many branches on the axons makes it possible for a single neuron to connect to the dendrites of as many as 50,000 other neurons. The branches on the axons are called _.

A) axon terminals
B) dendrites
C) cell bodies
D) glial cells

Answer 1

axon terminals

Question 2

When the charge inside of a neuron shifts from -70 millivolts to +40 millivolts, it is called:

A) an ion channel.
B) polarization.
C) a resting potential.
D) depolarization.

Answer 2

depolarization.

Question 3

The gaps between segments of myelin sheath that occur at regular intervals are called:

A) synapses.
B) nodes of Ranvier.
C) fissures.
D) dendrites.

Answer 3

nodes of Ranvier.

Question 4

The resting potential of the typical neuron is determined by:

A) extra negative ions on the outside of the neuron and extra neutral ions on the inside of the neuron.
B) extra positive ions on the inside of the neuron and extra neutral ions on the outside of the neuron.
C) extra positive ions on the outside of the neuron and extra negative ions on the inside of the neuron.
D) extra positive ions on the inside of the neuron and extra negative ions on the outside of the neuron.

Question 5

What is the effect of the myelin sheath on the conduction of neural impulses?

A) Myelin sheaths are responsible for the refractory period after a neuron has fired.
B) Myelin sheaths decrease the speed of electrical conduction.
C) Myelin sheaths increase the speed of electrical conduction.
D) Myelin sheaths vary the graded potential of the neuron.

Question 6

Surrounding neurons and holding them in place is one of the functions of _.

A) glial cells
B) axon terminals
C) axons
D) the myelin sheath

Question 7

The changes in the electrical potential of a neuron that do not reach -50 millivolts are called:

A) action potentials.
B) polarized potentials.
C) graded potentials.
D) resting potentials.

Question 8

For a brief period of time, shortly after a neural impulse has been triggered, a neuron is not excitable and cannot fire another impulse. This is called _.

A) absolute refractory period
B) graded potential
C) action potential
D) depolarization

Question 9

In a large communication network such as the National Telephone Company, the actual cables and transmissions could be analogous to the body's neurons, while the technicians and mechanics that support the equipment are analogous to the body's _.

A) neurotransmitters
B) brain
C) glial cells
D) chemicals

Question 10

Branchlike fibres that collect messages from adjacent neurons and pass them along to the cell body of the receiving neuron are called _.

A) axon terminals
B) nodes of Ranvier
C) axons
D) dendrites

Question 11

The role of the blood-brain barrier is to:

A) prevent many foreign substances from gaining access to the brain.
B) enhance neurotransmitter functioning.
C) provide nutrients to the brain.
D) stabilize the brain within the skull.

Question 12

That action potentials occur at a uniform and maximum intensity or they do not occur at all is known as:

A) neuromodulators.
B) the absolute refractory period.
C) the all-or-none law.
D) depolarization.

Question 13

The resting potential of a typical neuron is:

A) -27 millivolts.
B) 70 millivolts.
C) 27 millivolts.
D) -70 millivolts.

Question 14

When a neuron is stimulated, tiny protein structures on the cell membrane are activated that pump specific ions back and forth, thus changing the overall potential of the neuron. These cell membranes are called _.

A) neurotransmitters
B) action potentials
C) glial cells
D) ion channels

Question 15

Which of the following statements regarding the nervous system is true?

A) Glial cells outnumber neurons about 1000 to 1.
B) Neurons outnumber glial cells about 10 to 1.
C) Glial cells outnumber neurons about 10 to 1.
D) Neurons outnumber glial cells about 1000 to 1.

Question 16

The function of the axon is to:

A) surround the neurons and hold them in place.
B) receive chemical messages from neighbouring neurons.
C) transmit electrical messages from the cell body to other muscles, glands, or neurons.
D) speed up the transmission of electrical impulses.

Question 17

One of the functions of glial cells is to:

A) increase the presence of positive ions inside the cell body.
B) increase the speed of neural impulses.
C) absorb toxins that might damage neurons.
D) generate an action potential.

Question 18

It is relatively easy to see how there can be trillions of interconnections in the brain, given the diverse structures of the _.

A) axon and the myelin sheath
B) cell body and the dendrites
C) axon and the dendrites
D) cell body and the axon

Question 19

The synaptic cleft is a tiny gap between:

A) the cell body and the dendrites.
B) the segments of myelin sheath.
C) the axon terminal of one neuron and dendrite of the next neuron.
D) the neuron and a glial cell.

Question 20

Multiple sclerosis occurs when a person's own immune system specifically attacks:

A) the ion channels.
B) the glial cells.
C) the dendrites.
D) the myelin sheath.

Question 21

Caffeine is an antagonist and therefore it is an example of a drug that:

A) inhibits the action of a neurotransmitter.
B) mimics the action of a neurotransmitter by binding with and stimulating postsynaptic receptor sites.
C) increases the action of a neurotransmitter.
D) makes it more difficult for neurotransmitters to be deactivated.

Question 22

An excitatory neurotransmitter that is found throughout the brain and is especially important in learning and memory is:

A) serotonin.
B) acetylcholine.
C) GABA.
D) glutamate.

Question 23

The two ways that neurotransmitters can be deactivated are:

A) presynaptic reuptake and chemical breakdown.
B) postsynaptic reuptake and graded potentials.
C) presynaptic reuptake and postsynaptic reuptake.
D) postsynaptic reuptake and chemical breakdown.

Question 24

Abnormally high levels of dopamine have been observed in the brains of people with:

A) Alzheimer's disease.
B) a damaged reticular formation.
C) schizophrenia.
D) spinal injuries.

Question 25

Agonists are drugs that can influence the activity of a neurotransmitter by doing one of the following EXCEPT:

A) enhancing a neuron's ability to synthesize neurotransmitters
B) mimicking the action of a neurotransmitter
C) inhibiting reuptake
D) blocking the receptor sites on the postsynaptic neuron

Question 26

Scientists used to think that neurons communicated with each other through direct physical contact. With the advent of the electron microscope, the synapse or gap between neurons is evident and it is apparent that rather than direct contact, the communication
Continues through _.

A) neurotransmitters
B) action potentials
C) dendrites
D) axon terminals

Question 27

Ron, a middle-aged bank executive, is in excellent health. Ron jogs five miles four times a week, keeps his weight at a healthy point, and eats a well-balanced diet. He is particularly worried about the effects of aging as both his parents developed Alzheimer's disease in their later years. Recently Ron has been receiving Botox injections to reduce
The wrinkles on his forehead. Little does he know that the Botox injections he receives and the aging disease he so dreads have this same neurotransmitter in common:

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

Question 28

Neurotransmitters that depolarize the postsynaptic neuron are called:

A) synaptic vesicles.
B) receptor sites.
C) excitatory transmitters.
D) inhibitory transmitters.

Question 29

In addition to reuptake, neurotransmitters can also be deactivated by being:

A) absorbed in the myelin sheath by chemicals in the synapse.
B) broken down into their chemical components by chemicals in the synapse.
C) taken back into the axon terminal of the presynaptic neuron.
D) taken back into the axon terminal of the postsynaptic neuron.

Question 30

Cara has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. It is likely she will be treated with a drug which increases the levels of which neurotransmitter?

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

Question 31

During the final period of the championship hockey game, Tim is sliced across the ear by an opponent's skate. Despite the damage to his ear, Tim continues to play the game, and scores the winning goal. Tim's ability to continue playing the game despite the searing pain in his ear is likely a result of a massive release of which type of transmitter?

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

Question 32

During the chemical communication process, neurotransmitters cross the synapse and attach themselves to receptor sites on the postsynaptic neurons. This stage is called ________.

A) release
B) binding
C) synthesis
D) storage

Question 33

The process in which neurotransmitters are deactivated when they are taken back into the presynaptic axon terminal is called:

A) reuptake.
B) regeneration.
C) restoring.
D) recycling.

Question 34

Acetylcholine (ACh) is known to be involved in:

A) reducing pain.
B) memory and muscle activity.
C) mood, eating, and sexual behaviour.
D) disordered thinking and emotions.

Question 35

Psychoactive drugs act by:

A) affecting the resting potential of the targeted neurons.
B) influencing the length of the refractory period for the targeted neurons.
C) replacing the naturally occurring neurotransmitter.
D) denying the naturally occurring neurotransmitter access to its receptor.

Question 36

Neurotransmitters that hyperpolarize a neuron are specifically called:

A) inhibitory neurotransmitters.
B) action potentials.
C) graded potentials.
D) excitatory neurotransmitters.

Question 37

Which of the following is an inhibitory neurotransmitter found throughout the brain, especially important in anxiety and motor control?

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

Question 38

The neurotransmitter dopamine was mentioned as involved in all the following disorders EXCEPT for:

A) Alzheimer's disease
B) Schizophrenia
C) Parkinson's disease
D) Depression

Question 39

When the resting potential of a neuron becomes more negative (e.g., goes from -70 millivolts to -72 millivolts), this is referred to as:

A) an action potential.
B) excitation.
C) depolarization.
D) hyperpolarization.

Question 40

The drug Prozac has a positive effect on depression by:

A) breaking down excess serotonin, so that less of the neurotransmitter remains to enhance mood.
B) blocking the reuptake of serotonin, so that more of the neurotransmitter remains to enhance mood.
C) blocking the reuptake of dopamine, so that more of the neurotransmitter remains to enhance mood.
D) breaking down excess dopamine, so that less of the neurotransmitter remains to enhance mood.

Question 41

The job of interneurons is to:

A) perform connective or associative functions in the nervous system.
B) inhibit neurons from firing by reducing the action potential threshold.
C) carry information from the sense organs to the brain or spinal cord.
D) carry information from the brain and spinal cord to various muscles or organs.

Question 42

The somatic nervous system:

A) consists of sensory and motor neurons designed to transmit information for involuntary functions such as circulation and digestion.
B) consists of sensory and motor neurons designed to transmit information between muscles, sensory receptors, and the central nervous system.
C) consists of sensory and motor neurons designed to transmit information for the fight-or-flight response.
D) consists of sensory and motor neurons designed to transmit information to slow down the body and keep it calm.

Question 43

Mark's father had triple bypass surgery a week ago and has been told by his doctors to reduce the stress in his life in general, and at least for the next several weeks try to maintain calmness around him. After opening a letter from school containing Mark's
Poor semester grades, his father does his biofeedback exercises in an effort to return his blood pressure to normal and his muscles back to relaxation. For this to work, a
Particular nervous system is working overtime. This is the nervous system.

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

Question 44

Ursula is sound asleep one night when she is suddenly awakened by a loud noise coming from her backyard. She gets out of bed and moves to the window in order to see what made the noise. Ursula is relying on her nervous system.

A) somatic
B) parasympathetic
C) autonomic
D) sympathetic

Question 45

What are the three major types of neurons in the nervous system?

A) sensory neurons, inhibitory neurons, and interneurons
B) excitatory neurons, inhibitory neurons, and sensory neurons
C) sensory neurons, motor neurons, and interneurons
D) excitatory neurons, motor neurons, and interneurons

Question 46

Which of the following neurotransmitters have NOT been associated with depression?

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

Question 47

The two divisions of the autonomic nervous system are:

A) sensory and motor.
B) sympathetic and parasympathetic.
C) sympathetic and central.
D) somatic and parasympathetic.

Question 48

Alcohol effect on the brain is as a(n):

A) both an agonist and antagonist by stimulating activity of GABA and decreasing the activity glutamate.
B) antagonist by stimulating activity of the inhibitory transmitter GABA.
C) antagonist by decreasing the activity of the excitatory transmitter glutamate.
D) agonist by stimulating activity of the inhibitory transmitter GABA.

Question 49

Ashley's parents do not like the contemporary techno music that Ashley and her friends listen to and prefer old show tunes to which they can sing along. Along with the neurons that help them sense the music, there is a link between the sensory input from a song they are listening to, and their memory of that song. This link is made by _.

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

Question 50

A neuron is responsible for conveying a message from the brain to a particular muscle, such as the muscle that contracts your eyelid. This neuron would be classified as a(n):

A) sensory neuron.
B) inhibitory neuron.
C) motor neuron.
D) interneuron.

Question 51

Spinal reflexes are reflexes that:

A) can be triggered without any involvement of the brain.
B) cannot be triggered without the involvement of the sympathetic nervous system.
C) can significantly increase reaction time.
D) occur when the brain senses it could be threatened or damaged.

Question 52

Which of the following drugs influences ACh and dopamine activity?

A) nicotine
B) alcohol
C) amphetamines
D) caffeine

Question 53

The central nervous system is defined as:

A) only the neurons in the spinal cord.
B) only the neurons in the brain and spinal cord.
C) only the neurons outside of the brain and spinal cord.
D) only the neurons in the brain.

Question 54

After a very loud noise in her backyard woke her from a sound sleep, Ursula is lying in bed paralyzed by fear. Her heart is pounding, her face is flushed, and there is a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. The nervous system that is responsible for Ursula's body reactions to the noise is called _.

A) central nervous system
B) somatic nervous system
C) voluntary nervous system
D) autonomic nervous system

Question 55

Rohypnol and GHB are so-called 'date rape' drugs that work by enhancing the activity of which neurotransmitter?

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

Question 56

In the human body, the sympathetic system is responsible for activating the body for such things as the fight-or-flight response. The system is responsible for calming and slowing down the body is called the _.

A) autonomic system
B) somatic system
C) parasomatic system
D) parasympathetic system

Question 57

The two divisions of the peripheral nervous system are:

A) somatic and autonomic.
B) sympathetic and autonomic.
C) sensory and motor.
D) sympathetic and somatic.

Question 58

In the wilds of Northern Canada, Joe is elk hunting with some college friends. After the hunters separate in search of a lone elk, Joe finds himself staring straight into the eyes of a grizzly bear. Joe's heart rate increases, and as he runs through the woods praying the bear is not following him, he is aware that he has never run faster. The nervous system responsible for Joe's speedy flight is the _.

A) sympathetic nervous system
B) central nervous system
C) somatic nervous system
D) parasympathetic nervous system

Question 59

The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems play complementary roles in maintaining a balanced or constant internal state. This constant internal state is referred to as _.

A) homeosynthesis
B) homeostasis
C) a resting potential
D) neural plasticity

Question 60

Lucy and her older brother Louis have developed quite a fierce sibling rivalry. On a vacation in Mexico with their father, Louis and Lucy were being relatively well-behaved until one afternoon when Lucy accidentally stepped on her brother's foot and he automatically punched her. Louis apologized profusely saying that he just reacted and didn't even have time to think about what he did before he did it. Louis might try to claim that his brain was unaware of what he was doing at the time he punched Lucy because this type of response is considered a:

A) spinal reflex
B) nervous twitch
C) muscular reflex
D) sensory reflex

Question 61

The technique that measures how atoms in living tissue respond to a magnetic pulse is called _.

A) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
B) positron emission tomography (PET) scan
C) electroencephalogram (EEG)
D) computerized axial tomography (CT) scan

Question 62

After partying with friends one night, Angela got into her car to drive herself home. She had been drinking and was involved in a tragic accident. The doctors at the hospital kept Angela alive on life support systems until her parents arrived. They explained to Angela's grief stricken parents that this structure of the brain had been damaged and without life support she would die. This structure is the _.

A) cerebellum
B) thalamus
C) forebrain
D) medulla

Question 63

Computerized axial tomography (CAT) scans, positron emission tomography (PET) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are all examples of which method of measuring brain-behaviour relations?

A) brain imaging
B) electrical recording
C) neuropsychological tests
D) destruction and stimulation techniques

Question 64

Julie was a concert pianist until she was in a serious skiing accident. As a result, she was no longer able to control the timing and coordination of her motor movements. She had sustained severe damage to her _.

A) thalamus
B) cerebellum
C) reticulum
D) hypothalamus

Question 65

In the human body, which system is responsible for activating the body for things such as the fight-or-flight response?

A) Parasympathetic nervous system.
B) Sympathetic nervous system.
C) Somatic nervous system.
D) Central nervous system.

Question 66

The electroencephalogram (EEG) is an example of which method of assessing the relation between the brain and behaviour?

A) neuropsychological tests
B) destruction and stimulation techniques
C) electrical recording
D) brain imaging

Question 67

Judith has noticed that her elderly husband is behaving differently lately. His movements have become uncoordinated, jerky, and clumsy, and he even has difficulty walking or getting up from a chair. These symptoms are most likely related to a tumour in the:

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

Question 68

At a local university the freshman hazing involved chugging bottles of vodka. When two naïve young men fell unconscious after finishing the bottles of vodka, their girlfriends rushed them to the emergency room. It seems their basic body functions had been suppressed by the alcohol and they died from heart failure. Which portion of the brain governs these vital body functions?

A) cerebellum
B) medulla
C) motor neurons
D) corpus callosum

Question 69

A newborn baby is having trouble regulating her breathing and heart rate and doctors are forced to place her on life support. Given her symptoms, it is most likely that this infant may have some abnormalities in or damage to her:

A) cerebellum.
B) thalamus.
C) medulla.
D) hypothalamus.

Question 70

George has agreed to participate in a memory experiment where both the structure of his brain and the brain activity will be captured as he performs various memory tasks. He has been assured he will not be exposed to X-rays and the procedure is relatively non-intrusive. George will be having:

A) electroencephalogram (EEG)
B) neuropsychological tests
C) functional magnetic resonance imagining (fMRI)
D) positron emission tomography (PET) scan

Question 71

In addition to playing an important role in controlling respiration, the groups of neurons that regulate sleep and dreaming are called the _.

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

Question 72

The primary job of the ascending reticular formation is to:

A) regulate vital functions such as respiration and heart rate.
B) alert the brain that information is coming.
C) block out or admit sensory information to the brain.
D) coordinate muscle movements.

Question 73

The technique that measures the amount of harmless radioactive glucose used by the brain is called a(n):

A) electroencephalogram (EEG).
B) computerized axial tomography (CT) scan.
C) functional magnetic resonance imagining (fMRI).
D) positron emission tomography (PET) scan.

Question 74

A person who has just suffered a head trauma due to a car accident is given the "Trail Making Test" by a psychologist in order to assess the person's memory and planning abilities. This test is an example of which method of studying brain-behaviour relations?

A) brain imaging
B) destruction and stimulation techniques
C) neuropsychological tests
D) electrical recording

Question 75

The structure of the human brain can be said to mirror an archaeological site because:

A) the older structures of the human brain are responsible for the more complex brain functions, such as thinking and creativity.
B) the older brain structures are built atop the more recently developed brain structures.
C) the more recently developed brain structures are built atop the older brain structures.
D) the more recently developed structures of the brain are responsible for the basic life functions, such as breathing and heart rate.

Question 76

Alexis is riding her bicycle to school one day and slides on some loose gravel at the bottom of a hill. Her bike flies out from under her and she loses consciousness. At the
Hospital, Alexis does not seem oriented to the situation and cannot remember even riding her bike let alone falling. The doctors wish to take pictures of the structure of her brain
To determine whether or not there are injuries. To do this, they use a(n) _.

A) chemical stimulation technique
B) computerized axial tomography (CT) scan
C) positron emission tomography (PET) scan
D) electroencephalogram (EEG)

Question 77

The area of the brain that plays a role in vital life functions, such as heart rate and respiration, is the:

A) medulla.
B) thalamus.
C) hypothalamus.
D) cerebellum.

Question 78

A CT scan is used to study brain while the PET scan is used to examine brain ________.

A) activity; structures
B) damage; excitation
C) excitation; damage
D) structures; activity

Question 79

To measure brain-behaviour relations, this method uses highly concentrated X-rays to take pictures of narrow slices of the brain. This method is called _.

A) computerized axial tomography (CT) scan
B) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
C) positron emission tomography (PET) scan
D) functional magnetic resonance imagining (fMRI)

Question 80

During brain surgery, a physician places a small electrode on various portions of the patient's exposed cerebral cortex. Though the patient is anaesthetized, he is still conscious and the physician asks him to report what he experiences when different parts of the brain are electrically activated. This physician is using which method of studying the relation between the brain and behaviour?

A) neuropsychological tests
B) electrical recording
C) destruction and stimulation techniques
D) brain imaging