Deck 3: Biological Bases of Behavior

Question 1

In the opening vignette, the 5 million people who had fallen ill at the beginning of the 20^th century suffered from:

A) a lack of L-dopa
B) excessive amounts of testosterone
C) a testosterone deficiency
D) Parkinson's disease

Answer 1

a lack of L-dopa

Question 2

The purpose of discussing the encephalitis lethargica epidemic was to demonstrate:

A) how culture influences behavior
B) how the nervous system underlies all psychological activity
C) the importance of environment on thinking
D) all of the above

Answer 2

how the nervous system underlies all psychological activity

Question 3

The fundamental unit of the nervous system is:

A) DNA
B) genetics
C) the neuron
D) the soma

Answer 3

the neuron

Question 4

Which one is NOT a type of neuron?

A) sensory
B) motor
C) interneuron
D) cognitive

Question 5

Information is sent to the brain via the sensory or _____ neurons.

A) afferent
B) motor
C) transient
D) inter

Question 6

Sensory neurons are responsible for

A) transmitting information from sensory cells in the body to the brain
B) transmitting commands from the brain to the glands or musculature of the body
C) connecting other neurons to each other
D) communicating between musculature in the body

Question 7

Information is sent to the muscles and glands of the body via motor or _____.

A) sensory
B) afferent
C) motor
D) transient

Question 8

Motor neurons are responsible for

A) transmitting information from sensory cells in the body to the brain
B) transmitting commands from the brain to the glands or musculature of the body
C) connecting other neurons to each other
D) communicating between musculature in the body

Question 9

Interneurons are responsible for

A) transmitting information from sensory cells in the body to the brain
B) transmitting commands from the brain to the glands or musculature of the body
C) connecting other neurons to each other
D) communicating between musculature in the body

Question 10

The part of the neuron that receives information from other cells is the:

A) dendrites
B) myelin sheath
C) nodes of Ranvier
D) axon

Question 11

Dendrites are responsible for

A) receiving information from other cells
B) transmitting information to other neurons
C) increasing the transmission speed of messages
D) determining how that particular neuron will manipulate input

Question 12

The part of the neuron that includes a nucleus containing the genetic material of the cell is known as the

A) cell body
B) myelin sheath
C) axon
D) dendrite

Question 13

The long extension from the cell body whose central function is to transmit information to other neurons is(are) the:

A) dendrites
B) myelin sheath
C) nodes of Ranvier
D) axon

Question 14

Axons are responsible for

A) receiving information from other cells
B) transmitting information to other neurons
C) increasing the transmission speed of messages
D) determining how that particular neuron will manipulate input

Question 15

The part of the neuron that is a fatty layer, that is wrapped around the axon, and that increases the speed of transmission is the:

A) dendrites
B) myelin sheath
C) nodes of Ranvier
D) axon

Question 16

The myelin sheath of a neuron is important because it

A) makes the brain look white in appearance
B) insulates the axon from stimuli that might interfere with transmission of nerve impulses
C) activates the neuron to send a signal
D) receives information from other neurons

Question 17

Multiple sclerosis is a disorder that involves problems with the

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

Question 18

The neuron ends with the _____ whose function is to send signals from one neuron to the adjacent neurons.

A) dendrites
B) nodes of Ranvier
C) myelin sheath
D) terminal buttons

Question 19

Terminal buttons are important because they

A) receive nerve impulses from the axon and transmit signals to adjacent cells
B) directly touch the next neuron to send a signal
C) protect the axon from the synaptic cleft
D) insulate the axon from stimuli that might interfere with the transmission of nerve impulses

Question 20

The gap or space between neurons is referred to as a/an:

A) interneuron
B) synapse
C) glial cell
D) inter-space

Question 21

Neurons send signals by

A) tapping on the terminal buttons of the next neuron
B) releasing a chemical that alters the electrical charge of the next neuron
C) activating the glial cells
D) creating a picture in the brain

Question 22

When a neuron is at rest, the cell has a charge that is said to be:

A) polarized
B) hyperpolarized
C) hypopolarized
D) neutral

Question 23

The resting potential of a neuron refers to

A) the types of neurotransmitters contained within the neuron
B) the lowest possible charge that the neuron can achieve
C) the highest possible charge that the neuron can achieve
D) the condition in which the neuron is not firing

Question 24

The electrical difference between the inside and outside of a resting neuron is:

A) 20 millivolts
B) -110 millivolts
C) 120 millivolts
D) ñ70 millivolts

Question 25

Spreading voltage changes that occur when one neuron stimulates another is a:

A) resting potential
B) action potential
C) graded potential
D) ripple effect

Question 26

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a graded potential?

A) strength diminishes as the graded potential travels
B) graded potentials are cumulative or additive
C) the membrane has an electrical potential of +40 mV
D) none; all of the above are characteristics of graded potentials

Question 27

Which of the following is associated with ìfiringî of the neuron?

A) resting potential
B) graded potential
C) action potential
D) absolute potential

Question 28

The part of the axon that involves small sacs that contain neurotransmitters is called:

A) synaptic cleft
B) synaptic vesicles
C) interneuron
D) dendrites

Question 29

Chemicals that transmit information from one cell to another are called:

A) synthetic proteins
B) axonal transients
C) neurotransmitters
D) electrochemicals

Question 30

Neurotransmitters are important because they

A) increase the resting potential of a neuron
B) protect the axon from the action potential
C) Chemicals that transmit information from one cell to another
D) insulate the axon from stimuli that might interfere with the transmission of nerve impulses

Question 31

What causes the neurotransmitters to be released into the synaptic cleft?

A) the release of axonal transients
B) the firing of the dendrites
C) the closing of the Na-K ion pumps
D) the firing of the presynaptic neuron

Question 32

Which neurotransmitters depolarize the postsynaptic membrane?

A) inhibitory
B) excitatory
C) modulating
D) synaptic

Question 33

Which neurotransmitters increase the polarization of the postsynaptic membrane?

A) inhibitory
B) excitatory
C) modulating
D) synaptic

Question 34

Inhibitory neurotransmitters:

A) affect the pre-synaptic neuron
B) facilitate transmission at the synapse
C) increase the number of receptor sites
D) hyperpolarize the post-synaptic neuron

Question 35

There are two types of neurotransmitters. They are:

A) inhibitory and synaptic
B) modulating and excitatory
C) inhibitory and excitatory
D) modulating and synaptic

Question 36

The neurotransmitter that has the capability of exciting nearly every neuron in the nervous system and appears to be involved in learning is:

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

Question 37

People with excessive levels of glutamate are likely to experience

A) depression or anxiety
B) schizophrenia
C) sleeplessness and aggression
D) tingling and numbness

Question 38

All of a sudden you go through some significant physiological changes. One of the changes is that you no longer produce any glutamate. Which one of the following would most likely happen to you?

A) you would become incredibly stressed
B) you would find no joy in life
C) your sex drive would be destroyed
D) you would flunk out of college since you couldn't learn new information for the exams

Question 39

GABA is a(n):

A) excitatory neurotransmitter
B) flavor enhancer
C) inhibitory neurotransmitter
D) educational hormone

Question 40

The neurotransmitter that regulates anxiety and that is used by about one-third of all the neurons in the brain is:

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

Question 41

People with excessive levels of GABA are likely to experience

A) anxiety
B) trouble with voluntary movement
C) sleeplessness and aggression
D) excessive pain sensitivity

Question 42

Thoughts, feelings, motivation, behavior, and schizophrenia are all thought to be affected by levels of:

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

Question 43

People with excessive levels of dopamine are likely to experience

A) depression or anxiety
B) schizophrenia
C) sleeplessness and aggression
D) excessive pain sensitivity

Question 44

Some neural pathways that rely on dopamine are involved in:

A) emotional arousal
B) the experience of pleasure
C) the association of particular behaviors with rewards
D) all of the above

Question 45

The function of the blood-brain barrier is to:

A) protect the brain from foreign substances
B) filter neurotransmitters from glandular production
C) allow hormones but not neurotransmitters to contact the brain
D) keep neurotransmitters from flowing out of the brain

Question 46

Which one of the following is affected by serotonin?

A) mood
B) sleep
C) eating
D) all of the above

Question 47

People who do not have sufficient serotonin in the brain are likely to experience

A) tingling and numbing of body parts
B) uncontrollable tremors and difficulty with initiating movements
C) restlessness and high arousal
D) depression and anxiety

Question 48

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's) block the reuptake of serotonin by the presynaptic membrane. Which one of the following is NOT an SSRI?

A) Zoloft
B) Paxil
C) Prozac
D) L-dopa

Question 49

Memory and learning are associated most with which neurotransmitter?

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

Question 50

People who do not have sufficient acetylcholine in the brain are likely to experience

A) elevated mood and reductions in pain sensation
B) uncontrollable tremors and difficulty with initiating movements
C) difficulty with learning and memory
D) depression and anxiety

Question 51

Chemicals that elevate mood and reduce pain are referred to as:

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

Question 52

Narcotics work because they are chemically very similar to:

A) endorphins
B) hormones
C) secretions
D) GABA

Question 53

I like to build things and, while I am cutting a piece of wood with an electric saw, I accidentally cut off the tip of my thumb. What would my reaction be if I did not have any endorphins?

A) I would scream out and be in a huge amount of pain.
B) I would not know what to do since my memory is impaired.
C) I would fall asleep.
D) I would keep on working since I no longer feel any pain.

Question 54

Which one of the following is NOT a MAJOR subdivision of the nervous system?

A) central nervous system
B) autonomic nervous system
C) peripheral nervous system
D) none of the above; all are major subdivisions of the nervous system

Question 55

The _______ nervous system is involved with sensory information and motor commands.

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

Question 56

The somatic nervous system is involved with

A) neurons that convey messages to and from the central nervous system
B) messages between the brain and spinal cord
C) controlling involuntary actions such as reflexes
D) transmitting sensory information and controlling intentional actions

Question 57

The somatic nervous system and autonomic nervous system are both part of the ______ nervous system.

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

Question 58

The somatic nervous system of a patient is no longer working for an unknown reason. What would this person be like?

A) the patient would be dead since it controls things such as heart and lungs
B) the patient would be incapable of being in contact with the world about them and also be unable to move when they wanted to
C) the patient would be incapable of sleeping
D) the patient would find themselves incapable of staying awake

Question 59

The autonomic nervous system is involved with

A) neurons that convey messages to and from the central nervous system
B) basic life processes such as the beating of the heart or breathing
C) controlling involuntary actions such as reflexes
D) transmitting sensory information and controlling intentional actions

Question 60

The autonomic nervous system of a patient is no longer working for an unknown reason. What would this person be like?

A) the patient would be dead since it controls things such as heart and lungs
B) the patient would be incapable of being in contact with the world about them and also be unable to move when they wanted to
C) the patient would be incapable of sleeping
D) the patient would find themselves incapable of staying awake

Question 61

Basic life processes are in the control of what part of the nervous system?

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

Question 62

The autonomic nervous system does NOT include which one of the following?

A) sympathetic nervous system
B) somatic nervous system
C) parasympathetic nervous system
D) none of the above; all are parts of the autonomic nervous system

Question 63

In an emergency situation, the adrenal glands of the body secrete ìemergencyî hormones while the _____ nervous system prepares the body for fight or flight.

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

Question 64

My friend walks into a room in which two students are brawling. Immediately on seeing the threatening situation, my friend will have a reaction from the part of the autonomic nervous system. What part of the autonomic nervous system is involved?

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

Question 65

The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems:

A) have essentially the same functions but use different pathways to accomplish them
B) operate in reciprocal fashion to achieve proper functional behaviors under their control
C) are unrelated in function
D) are both part of the somatic nervous system

Question 66

If I am sitting around watching television, what part of the autonomic nervous system is involved?

A) sympathetic nervous system
B) somatic nervous system
C) parasympathetic nervous system
D) all of the above

Question 67

The oldest technology for studying the brain is:

A) CT scan
B) PET
C) MRI
D) EEG

Question 68

Which technique involves injecting radioactive glucose into the bloodstream in order to see which parts of the brain are active?

A) fMRI
B) CT scan
C) PET
D) EEG

Question 69

Which of the following is not a neuroimaging technique?

A) PET
B) EEG
C) CT scan
D) MRI

Question 70

Which of the following will allow a researcher to observe the brain in action?

A) PET
B) CLU
C) CT scan
D) MRI

Question 71

The fMRI can be used to determine

A) shows the activity in the brain involved in different types of cognitive tasks
B) the best problem solving strategies
C) the magnetic characteristics of various brain structures
D) if cancer is present in the brain

Question 72

Bundles of axons outside the spinal cord are referred to as:

A) nerves
B) tracts
C) fibers
D) ganglia

Question 73

The bundles of axons inside the spinal cord are referred to as:

A) nerves
B) tracts
C) fibers
D) ganglia

Question 74

The 31 pairs of specialized nerves in the brain are referred to as:

A) cranial nerves
B) basal ganglia
C) CET nerves
D) trigeminal nerves

Question 75

The hindbrain includes all of the following except the:

A) medulla oblongata
B) pons
C) cerebellum
D) hypothalamus

Question 76

This link between the spinal cord and the brain is involved in heartbeat, circulation, and respiration. This link is the:

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

Question 77

A car accident causes damage to a person's medulla oblongata. What is the person most likely going to be like?

A) the patient would be dead since it controls things such as heart and lungs
B) the patient would be incapable of being in contact with the world about them and also be unable to move when they wanted to
C) the patient would be incapable of controlling voluntary actions
D) the patient would be fine with the exception of being unmotivated to do anything

Question 78

As I am falling asleep, the activity level of the _____ is decreasing. If the activity level is decreased due to damage, I may end up in a coma.

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

Question 79

Alcohol interferes with movement and fine motor coordination because it affects a person's

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

Question 80

The midbrain does not include (the):

A) tectum
B) tegmentum
C) reticular formation
D) any of the above