Deck 3: Brains Building Blocks

Question 1

The two groups of cells in your brain are:

A) glial cells and astrocytes
B) neurons and axons
C) genes and peripheral cells
D) neurons and glial cells

Answer 1

neurons and glial cells

Question 2

The functions of neurons include:

A) transmitting and receiving electrical messages
B) providing support for glial cells
C) insulating axons
D) opening sodium gates in glial cells

Answer 2

transmitting and receiving electrical messages

Question 3

Alzheimer's disease is diagnosed in a person by identifying:

A) environmental factors that are related to it
B) behavioral, neurological, physical, and psychological symptoms
C) memory problems
D) family members who have the disease

Answer 3

behavioral, neurological, physical, and psychological symptoms

Question 4

What progressive neurological disorder is characterized by memory loss,personality deterioration,and emotional outbursts?

A) Parkinson's disease
B) Multiple sclerosis
C) Autism
D) Alzheimer's disease

Question 5

You're directing actors in a movie on the human brain.The actor portraying the role of glial cell is giving you a hard time.What can you say to the actor to improve his performance?

A) "You are a glial cell. You need to be more supportive of the actors playing neurons, so think support!"
B) "Do you remember your lines? Do you remember how glial cells help to connect the two hemispheres together to allow information back and forth? Pay more attention to the script!"
C) "Acting? You call that acting? A glial cell transmits electrical messages!"
D) "Look, there are many other actors who could do your job. Keep in mind that you, as a glial cell, cross the synapse. Listen for your cue!"

Question 6

Consider this: A tired,listless brain walks into a restaurant and looks on the menu for something that could provide fuel for it.What "entree" does the brain order?

A) Hormone deluxe
B) Glucose platter
C) Calorie soup
D) Neurotransmitter buffet

Question 7

Charles is introduced in Module Three as having Alzheimer's disease.What can Charles and his family expect in the coming years?

A) His condition will worsen.
B) Charles' cognitive function will deteriorate, but his personality should not dramatically change.
C) Charles will have good days and he will have bad days.
D) The course of Alzheimer's is difficult to describe.

Question 8

If you randomly select 100 individuals who suffer from Alzheimer's disease,how many of them would have experienced the onset of symptoms before the age of 65 years?

A) about 90%
B) about 75%
C) about 50%
D) about 10%

Question 9

One risk factor for developing Alzheimer's disease is:

A) having Parkinson's disease
B) having a stroke before the age of 40
C) brain injury in childhood
D) inheriting one of ten different genes

Question 10

____ are chains of chemicals arranged like rungs on a twisting ladder.

A) Genes
B) Neurons
C) Opsins
D) Neurotransmitters

Question 11

What is the suspected cause of the excess formation of a glue-like substance in the brains of Alzheimer's patients?

A) allergies
B) death of brain cells
C) faulty genetic instructions
D) uncontrolled growth of glial cells

Question 12

Which brain cells are responsible for providing insulation around the neuron?

A) GABA cells
B) curare cells
C) axon cells
D) glial cells

Question 13

Grandpa Frank is often confused and doesn't know where he is much of the time.You visit him,but he doesn't seem to recognize you.He has gotten much worse over the past few years.The doctor says that there is no cure and that a protein which is destroying brain cells is the suspected cause.Grandpa Frank has been diagnosed with:

A) Alzheimer's disease
B) Parkinson's disease
C) Stroke
D) Fragile X syndrome

Question 14

A new discovery has found that,in addition to neurons,glial cells might also:

A) be involved in Alzheimer's disease
B) provide support to blood vessels to guide their growth in the central nervous system
C) transmit electrical messages
D) release a chemical to influence the growth of dendrites

Question 15

To help the general public better understand the human brain,a famous neurologist is fond of correctly saying that there are ____ of glial cells in the human brain.

A) "hundreds and hundreds"
B) "millions and millions"
C) "billions and billions"
D) "trillions and trillions"

Question 16

Which cells specialize in receiving electrical signals and transmitting electrical signals?

A) glial cells
B) neurons
C) dendrites
D) astrocytes

Question 17

One factor causing Alzheimer's disease results from:

A) normal aging
B) previously damaged neurons
C) drug abuse
D) the multiplication of naturally occurring proteins and peptides

Question 18

What is the most reliable test to diagnose Alzheimer's disease?

A) PET or MRI scan
B) behavioral observation by trained specialist
C) blood and spinal fluid tests
D) administering a questionnaire to the patient

Question 19

Glial cells are to ____ as neurons are to ____.

A) support; transmit
B) transmit; insulate
C) support; insulate
D) Alzheimer's disease; ADHD

Question 20

If you drew a graph to accurately represent the number of Alzheimer's patients projected in the future,the graph would:

A) have a level line
B) be difficult to draw since researchers are unsure of its future
C) have a rising slope
D) have a decreasing slope

Question 21

Each autumn,the male canary must relearn the "breeding" song.This process of relearning the song results in:

A) the formation of new neurons in the canary's brain
B) a decrease in the size of the canary's brain
C) the loss of other brain functions
D) the canary being able to learn the "breeding" songs of other birds

Question 22

What causes the destruction of neurons in the brain of Alzheimer's patients?

A) the buildup of excessive myelin sheath
B) the buildup of a gluelike substance
C) an excess of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine
D) an excess of the neurotransmitter dopamine

Question 23

Sarah is a medical student.She is examining the brain of a patient who had Alzheimer's.What would she notice about the brain as she examines it?

A) The brain is larger since it grows many tumors.
B) The size of the brain is normal.
C) The "creases" in the brain have gotten shallower.
D) The brain is smaller because it has shrunk due to cell loss.

Question 24

Which part of a neuron carries signals away from the cell body?

A) axon
B) cell body
C) end bulb
D) dendrites

Question 25

"This is a bad television set.We're getting lots of interference from other electrical appliances in our apartment." You remember the structures of the neuron and say,"Wish we had a television set covered with a(n)..."

A) myelin sheath
B) axon
C) dendrite
D) neurotransmitter

Question 26

Dendrite is to ____ as axon is to ____.

A) PNS; receive
B) CNS; transmit
C) fast; slow
D) receive; transmit

Question 27

According to Module Three,in what way can the human brain repair itself?

A) A damaged neuron can grow several new axons.
B) The action potential can seek out new undamaged neurons.
C) A damaged neuron can grow new dendrites.
D) The brain can grow, replace, rewire, or repair damaged neurons.

Question 28

Alyssa is writing a paper on the function of the myelin sheath.Which of the following is the best title for her paper?

A) "Myelin Sheath: Storing Neurotransmitters"
B) "Myelin Sheath: Receiving Signals"
C) "Myelin Sheath: Insulating the Axon"
D) "Myelin Sheath: Releasing Neurotransmitters into the Synapse"

Question 29

If a neuron lacked dendrites,theoretically it could ____,but not ____.

A) send messages; receive messages
B) process messages; send messages
C) grow new extensions; have myelin sheaths
D) open sodium channels; produce negative-charged ions

Question 30

What do the two main extensions of a neuron do?

A) receive and transmit electrical signals
B) wrap around glial cells
C) support mature glial cells
D) provide the mechanisms by which glial cells repair themselves

Question 31

Consider this scenario: The neuron is dying.All of the structures except the cell body are healthy and undamaged.Why might damage to the cell body be the reason for the neuron's impending death?

A) the cell body is responsible for insulating the neuron
B) the nucleus may be damaged
C) the cell body receives nourishment from the glial cells
D) the cell body maintains the entire neuron in working order

Question 32

If the axon is the "output" structure of the neuron,the input structure is the:

A) end bulb
B) dendrite
C) myelin
D) lobe

Question 33

The ____ keeps the neuron in working order and has specialized extensions that arise from it.

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

Question 34

Which of the following areas is most likely to be able to grow new neurons in the adult brain?

A) Broca's area
B) hippocampus
C) hypothalamus
D) medulla

Question 35

If the dendrite is the "input" structure of the neuron,the output structure is the:

A) soma
B) axon
C) myelin
D) lobe

Question 36

Research shows that as a mature male canary relearns a breeding song,there is at least a ____ in the areas of the brain that control singing.

A) 5% increase
B) 25% increase
C) 50% increase
D) 50% decrease

Question 37

Electrical messages can be transmitted in the neuron up to:

A) 2.68 miles per hour
B) 268 miles per hour
C) 2,680 miles per hour
D) 26,800 miles per hour

Question 38

Tiny sacs or vesicles that are filled with neurotransmitters are located in the:

A) end bulbs
B) axon
C) dendrites
D) synapse

Question 39

As we mature,one structure of the neuron is responsible for much of the gains in brain size.What structure is it?

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

Question 40

The color of gray is to ____ as the color of white is to ____.

A) myelin sheath; cell bodies
B) cell bodies; myelin sheath
C) synapse; end bulbs
D) dendrites; cell bodies

Question 41

What accounts for the action potential moving down the axon at a constant speed?

A) all-or-none law
B) paced-resistance principle
C) snowball effect
D) neuronal push rule

Question 42

The membrane of the axon has the unique ability to:

A) ionize itself
B) change its size
C) open and close its chemical gates
D) negatively charge the dendrites

Question 43

If the positive sodium ions rush inside the axon,the axon will:

A) enter the resting state
B) release a neurotransmitter
C) change its threshold
D) experience an action potential

Question 44

Opposite-charged ions ____ and like-charged ions ____.

A) attract; repel
B) are permeable; are semipermeable
C) have sodium; have protein
D) are positive; are negative

Question 45

If neurotransmitters could talk,what would they say about where they are stored?

A) "Branch-like extensions from the cell body give us a storage place."
B) "Home sweet home is right next to the nucleus."
C) "We are all stored in tiny containers located in the end bulb."
D) "This synapse is just too small-we're packed in here very tightly."

Question 46

There is new research that involves replacing damaged neurons with:

A) transplanted fetal tissue or embryonic stem cells
B) tiny computers that can process information very quickly
C) computerized sodium pumps
D) transplanted tubes from monkeys

Question 47

During an action potential,the inside of the axon becomes ____ and the outside becomes ____.

A) negative; positive
B) positive; negative
C) positive; positive
D) negative; neutral

Question 48

Why does MS disrupt the messages between the body and brain?

A) MS attacks the cell bodies of neurons.
B) MS causes the death of neurons that use dopamine.
C) MS causes an overabundance of dopamine which damages dendrites.
D) MS attacks the myelin sheath that surrounds the brain cells in the CNS.

Question 49

According to your textbook,new research on the regeneration of neurons includes:

A) mild electrical currents passed through the damaged neurons
B) drugs that suppress the immune system
C) megadoses of Vitamin A
D) the use of fetal tissue or embryonic stem cells into damaged areas of the central nervous system.

Question 50

A psychology instructor is lecturing on the processes and mechanisms of messages in the nervous system.She has come to the part on the action potential.Which example should she use to illustrate the idea of a nerve impulse?

A) how a washer cleans clothes
B) "The Wave" at a sports stadium where sections of fans stand up and then sit down
C) a bright flash of light
D) a merry-go-round

Question 51

A tiny electrical current generated in the axon is called a(n)

A) electropotential
B) ion wave
C) action potential
D) resting potential

Question 52

If the stimulation is strong enough,the neuron's chemical gates ____ and ____ will come into the neuron.

A) open; negative sodium ions
B) open; positive sodium ions
C) close; positive sodium ions
D) close; vesicles

Question 53

A synapse is the:

A) part of the dendrite that receives incoming signals
B) small space between the end bulb and its neighboring organ, muscle, or cell body
C) chemical that transmits signals from one neuron to another
D) signal that travels from one neuron to another

Question 54

When a neuron is in a resting state,the majority of the particles in the fluid surrounding the neuron are:

A) positive sodium ions
B) sodium ions that have yet to pick up a charge
C) chloride ions
D) chemically inert

Question 55

During a class meeting,a student asks the psychology professor to define a nerve impulse.Before the professor can open his mouth to answer,you remember the definition,which is:

A) a surge of electrical activity simultaneously occurring down the entire axon
B) the release of neurotransmitters into the synapse
C) a tiny electrical current
D) a series of individual action potentials that occur segment by segment down the axon

Question 56

As you're waiting to visit a friend in the hospital,you overhear a physician talking to a patient's parents.You don't hear the entire conversation,but only bits and pieces.There is something about an accident and a question regarding nerves reattaching.The physician replied that the nerves do have the ability to regrow.From your education in psychology,you guess that the nerves were probably part of the:

A) spinal cord
B) central nervous system
C) peripheral nervous system
D) limbic system

Question 57

The nerves that make up the body,except the brain and spinal cord,comprise the:

A) peripheral nervous system
B) central nervous system
C) primary nervous system
D) secondary nervous system

Question 58

End bulbs release neurotransmitters into the:

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

Question 59

The fact that John Thompson can use his arms but Montel Williams is unlikely to be cured of MS illustrates the difference between:

A) nerves vs. muscles
B) the peripheral nervous system vs. the central nervous system
C) receiving medical attention immediately vs. not for several hours
D) neurons vs. fetal tissue

Question 60

Sylvester severed a toe in an accident with his lawn mower.If the toe is not too damaged,what is the chance that the toe can be reattached to his foot?

A) Poor-nerves in the peripheral nervous system cannot regenerate
B) Poor-nerves in the central nervous system cannot regenerate
C) Good-nerves in the peripheral nervous system have the capacity to regenerate
D) Good-nerves in the autonomic system have the capacity to regenerate

Question 61

What structure in the neuron helps to speed up the transmission of the action potential?

A) axon
B) dendrites
C) myelin sheath
D) end bulb

Question 62

After the release of neurotransmitters in the synapse,neurotransmitters cross the synapse and:

A) fit into specially designed axons
B) cause the second neuron to open its chemical locks
C) cause the process known as reuptake
D) fit into specially designed receptors located on the second neuron's dendrites

Question 63

What substance is found in the end bulbs?

A) neurotransmitters
B) sodium ions
C) inhibitory sodium
D) L-dopa

Question 64

Could neurotransmitter A fit into the receptors for neuron B?

A) yes-all neurotransmitters fit into all receptors
B) maybe-if both neurotransmitters are excitatory
C) no-each neurotransmitter has its own unique receptor
D) maybe-if both neurotransmitters are inhibitory

Question 65

If a neurotransmitter key opens the receptor's lock,then the neurotransmitter is said to be:

A) at the threshold
B) excitatory
C) positively charged
D) at an action potential

Question 66

____ is/are (a)chemical messenger(s)that transmit(s)information between nerves and body organs.

A) Transmitters
B) Ion
C) THC
D) L-dopa

Question 67

If the release of neurotransmitters was being broadcast over CNN,the reporter would say:

A) "The action potential is triggering an explosion, releasing the neurotransmitters into the synapse."
B) "The neurotransmitters have entered the axon through sodium channels."
C) "The resting potential is causing the cell body to release neurotransmitters."
D) "I have never seen so many neurotransmitters being released into the myelin sheath!"

Question 68

If a neurotransmitter key closes the receptor's lock,then the neurotransmitter is said to be:

A) at the threshold
B) inhibitory
C) positively charged
D) at an action potential

Question 69

While speeding down an axon,the impulse reaches an incredible speed by jumping at the breaks in the:

A) end bulb
B) dendrite
C) myelin sheath
D) synapse

Question 70

An evil dictator is plotting to overthrow the world's governments by making the nervous systems of world leaders "slow down" and mellow out.Assuming it is possible,what drug should be put into their water supply?

A) Drug A-increases the release of excitatory transmitters
B) Drug B-prevents reuptake
C) Drug C-completely inhibits the release of transmitters
D) Drug D-increases the release of inhibitory transmitters

Question 71

In the neuron,the electrical charge jumps the synapse.Right?

A) Yes, it is like how a spark plug works.
B) Yes, but only in the central nervous system.
C) Yes and no, both an electrical charge and neurotransmitters cross the synapse.
D) No, neurotransmitters cross the synapse.

Question 72

What do the neurotransmitters glutamate,acetylcholine,dopamine,and norepinephrine all have in common?

A) they are all excitatory neurotransmitters
B) they are all inhibitory neurotransmitters
C) they all induce hallucinations and delusions when they are present in excessive amounts in the brain
D) they all work on lower parts of the brain (the brainstem)

Question 73

Alcohol is classified as a(n):

A) stimulant
B) depressant
C) serotonin
D) anandamide

Question 74

Neurotransmitters are found in the:

A) myelin sheath
B) sodium ions
C) inhibitory sodium
D) end bulbs

Question 75

Alcohol molecules closely resemble:

A) GABA
B) dopamine
C) THC
D) anandamide

Question 76

Eriq,a three-year old boy,has just spilled apple juice on his mother's new laptop computer,and she is very upset! If you could go inside his mother's nervous system at this point,you would find an abundance of:

A) anandamide
B) serotonin
C) inhibitory transmitters
D) excitatory transmitters

Question 77

Excited GABA neurons lead to:

A) inhibitory effects
B) excitatory effects
C) increased self-control
D) increased neural activity

Question 78

Of the following,the only example of an inhibitory neurotransmitter is

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

Question 79

Mauricio has an illness that causes a depletion of a neurotransmitter that controls learning and memory.Which of the following is most likely affected by his malady?

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

Question 80

Jack has had a few beers and he is feeling pretty good and is more sociable.If we could look inside his brain,we would find that alcohol has:

A) increased endorphin production
B) decreased endorphin production
C) inhibited GABA neurons
D) excited GABA neurons