Deck 3: The Biological Bases of Behavior

Question 1

Bradley is deeply relaxed and his muscles are not moving at all.This suggests that,for Bradley's motor neurons

A) sodium ions are concentrated inside the neurons and potassium ions are concentrated outside the neurons.
B) sodium ions and potassium ions are both concentrated inside the neurons.
C) sodium ions and potassium ions are both concentrated outside the neurons.
D) sodium ions are concentrated outside the neurons and potassium ions are concentrated inside the neurons.

Answer 1

sodium ions are concentrated outside the neurons and potassium ions are concentrated inside the neurons.

Question 2

When sodium channels open,allowing sodium ions to flow into a neuron,it causes

A) the likelihood of an action potential to decrease.
B) the axon hillock to become inactivated.
C) the likelihood of an action potential to increase.
D) the neuron to return to its resting potential.

Answer 2

the likelihood of an action potential to increase.

Question 3

The part of a neuron that transmits information away from the neuron and towards another neuron is the

A) synapse.
B) soma.
C) dendrites.
D) axon.

Answer 3

axon.

Question 4

The cells that provide structural support and insulation for neurons are called

A) glia.
B) somata.
C) neuromodulators.
D) dendrites.

Question 5

An action potential is

A) the tiny electrical charge that exists when a neuron is neither receiving nor sending information.
B) an electrical signal that travels along the axon of a neuron.
C) the small gap that exists between adjacent neurons.
D) an electrical signal that travels along the dendrites of a neuron.

Question 6

The electrical charge that exists between the inside and the outside of a neuron when the neuron is neither receiving nor sending is approximately

A) -1000 millivolts
B) +60 to +70 millivolts
C) -60 to -70 millivolts
D) +1000 millivolts

Question 7

The correct order that information passes through in a neuron is

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

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT one of the main functions of neurons?

A) receiving information
B) generating information
C) transmitting information
D) integrating information

Question 9

The cells of the nervous system that do the work of receiving,integrating,and transmitting information are the

A) neurilemma.
B) glia.
C) neuroblasts.
D) neurons.

Question 10

The difference in the flow rates of sodium and potassium ions across the cell membrane leads to

A) a slightly higher concentration of negatively charged ions inside the cell.
B) a negatively charged action potential.
C) a slightly lower concentration of negatively charged ions inside the cell.
D) both a negatively charged action potential and a slightly lower concentration of negatively charged ions inside the cell.

Question 11

Cells found in the nervous system that insulate,nourish and direct the growth of neurons as well as remove dead neurons and waste products are known as

A) neurotransmitters.
B) myelin sheaths.
C) glia.
D) synapses.

Question 12

In computers,when the print command is executed,a cable carries this signal from the computer to the printer.In comparing a computer to a neuron,the cable that carries the signal between the computer and the printer would be equivalent to

A) a refractory potential.
B) the axon.
C) the dendrites.
D) the soma.

Question 13

The chemicals that are secreted from the terminal buttons into the synapse are

A) neurotransmitters.
B) action potentials.
C) antagonists.
D) agonists.

Question 14

Emma has multiple sclerosis.If you could view her nervous system,you would find

A) a lack of neurotransmitters in some neurons.
B) areas where the myelin sheath has degenerated.
C) areas where the dendrites are severely damaged.
D) a reduction in the number of chloride ions in her peripheral nervous system.

Question 15

Neurotransmitters are secreted from the

A) myelin sheath.
B) terminal buttons.
C) neuromodulators.
D) dendrites.

Question 16

Information is received by a neuron through the ____ and is transmitted towards other neurons through the ____.

A) dendrites; soma
B) dendrites; axon
C) axon; dendrites
D) soma; axon

Question 17

The main function of dendrites is to

A) support and insulate the neuron.
B) release neurotransmitters.
C) transmit information.
D) receive information.

Question 18

The insulation that covers some axons and increases the speed of transmission of the neural impulse is the

A) neurotransmitter sheath.
B) myelin sheath.
C) glia wrap.
D) terminal cover.

Question 19

Terminal buttons are located

A) in the synaptic cleft.
B) on the soma.
C) at the end of dendrites.
D) at the end of axons.

Question 20

The tiny electrical charge that exists when a neuron is not receiving or sending information is called

A) an action potential.
B) a synaptic gap.
C) a resting potential.
D) a post synaptic potential.

Question 21

The typical speed of an action potential is

A) dependent on the intensity of the excitatory signals.
B) between 2 and 200 miles per hour.
C) approximately the speed of light (186,000 miles/second).
D) approximately the speed of sound (740 miles/hour).

Question 22

A postsynaptic potential occurs when

A) neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic cleft.
B) neurotransmitters are reabsorbed into the terminal buttons.
C) neurotransmitters bind or attach to receptor sites on the postsynaptic neuron.
D) neurotransmitters bind or attach to receptor sites on the presynaptic neuron.

Question 23

If inhibitory postsynaptic potentials did not exist,

A) it would be "easier" for a neuron to fire its action potential.
B) it would be "harder" for a neuron to fire its action potential.
C) there would not be any effect on the ease at which a neuron fires its action potential.
D) it would be impossible for neural impulses to travel across the synapse.

Question 24

An impulse moves from one neuron to another through the action of

A) neurotransmitters.
B) hormones.
C) action potentials.
D) neuromodulators.

Question 25

Sara is holding Scott's hand during a scary movie.Suddenly she squeezes his hand very hard.When she does this,the neurons in Scott's hand will

A) start to fire at a faster rate.
B) send stronger signals to his central nervous system.
C) enter an absolute refractory period.
D) release more chloride ions.

Question 26

Peggy smells a very strong odor; Harry smells an odor that is barely detectable.Based on what is known about neural transmission you could predict that the action potentials will

A) travel more quickly in Peggy's system because the stimulus is more intense.
B) be weaker in Harry's system because the stimulus is less intense.
C) travel a shorter distance in Peggy's system because the stimulus is more intense.
D) be the same in both individuals due to the all-or-none principle.

Question 27

The elimination of old less active synapses is known as

A) synaptic reuptake.
B) synaptic pruning.
C) neurogenesis.
D) synaptic sculpting.

Question 28

The microscopic gap between the terminal buttons of one neuron and the cell membrane of another neuron is the

A) neurotransmitter cleft.
B) synaptic cleft.
C) presynaptic space.
D) postsynaptic space.

Question 29

Synaptic vesicles are structures that

A) control the speed with which a neuron fires.
B) manufacture myelin.
C) store neurotransmitters.
D) provide energy for a neuron's activity.

Question 30

What event causes the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft?

A) the arrival of the action potential at the postsynaptic neuron
B) the arrival of the resting potential at the postsynaptic neuron
C) the arrival of the action potential at the terminal buttons
D) the arrival of the resting potential at the terminal buttons

Question 31

When a neuron is firing its action potential the neuron's electrical charge is

A) negative and travels along the axon.
B) negative and travels along the dendrite.
C) positive and travels along the axon.
D) positive and travels along the dendrite.

Question 32

Leonard's mother became dehydrated during a recent illness,and the levels of sodium in her body were significantly reduced.If enough sodium was lost you might expect that

A) her nervous system would become highly activated and action potentials would be generated continuously.
B) fewer action potentials would occur in her nervous system.
C) more neurotransmitters would be produced in her terminal buttons.
D) glial cells would start to degenerate and die.

Question 33

An electric potential that increases the likelihood that the postsynaptic neuron will fire is called an

A) all-or-none potential.
B) inhibitory postsynaptic potential.
C) excitatory postsynaptic potential.
D) excitatory presynaptic potential.

Question 34

The neurons in Michael's arm just sent a neural impulse.It will be 1-2 milliseconds before another neural impulse can be generated.This brief time period,when another neural impulse cannot occur,is called the

A) all-or-none period.
B) absolute refractory period.
C) resting potential.
D) postsynaptic discharge.

Question 35

Fiona puts her hands into a sinkful of lukewarm water; Luke puts his hands into a sinkful of ice-cold water.Based on what is known about neural transmission,you could predict that the action potentials will

A) travel more quickly in Luke's system because the stimulus is more intense.
B) be weaker in Fiona's system because the stimulus is less intense.
C) be the same in both individuals due to the all-or-none principle.
D) travel a shorter distance in Luke's system because the stimulus is more intense.

Question 36

Reabsorption of neurotransmitters into the presynaptic neuron is referred to as

A) cyclomyosis.
B) regrading.
C) uploading.
D) reuptake.

Question 37

As a neuron is stimulated and starts to receive information the neuron's electrical charge

A) becomes less negative
B) becomes more negative
C) immediately becomes positive
D) immediately affects the next neuron

Question 38

The minimum length of time between action potentials is determined by

A) transduction capacity.
B) transduction incapacity.
C) the absolute refractory period.
D) the relative threshold period.

Question 39

According to the ____ law,a neuron fires an action potential at only one level of intensity.

A) all-or-none
B) threshold
C) refractory
D) action

Question 40

When a neurotransmitter is released,but it does not fit into a suitable receptor channel on the postsynaptic neuron,

A) an inhibitory postsynaptic potential will be generated.
B) an excitatory postsynaptic potential will be generated.
C) the strength of the action potential in the presynaptic neuron will increase.
D) the firing potential of the postsynaptic neuron will not be affected.

Question 41

Jeremy is sitting quietly when the muscles in his left leg begin to "twitch." This activation of movement in his voluntary muscles is most likely due to the release of the neurotransmitter

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

Question 42

Among the amino acid neurotransmitters,excitatory effects are associated

A) only with GABA
B) only with glutamate
C) with both glutamate and GABA
D) with neither glutamate nor GABA

Question 43

An agonist

A) blocks the action of neurotransmitters.
B) prevents reuptake of neurotransmitters.
C) mimics the action of a neurotransmitter.
D) extends the absolute refractory period of neural transmission.

Question 44

Some theorists believe that the rewarding effects of most abused drugs depend on

A) decreased activity in specific dopamine pathways.
B) decreased activity in specific glutamate pathways.
C) increased activity in specific glutamate pathways.
D) increased activity in specific dopamine pathways.

Question 45

When nicotine acts on the brain it acts like acetylcholine and binds to ACh receptor sites causing postsynaptic potentials.Nicotine is

A) an antagonist.
B) an agonist.
C) a monoamine.
D) a reuptake agent.

Question 46

Dr.Seelig has just discovered a new drug named BXY79 that produces schizophrenic-like side effects.Based on this information,Dr.Seelig's drug may be acting as an

A) agonist for dopamine.
B) agonist for GABA.
C) antagonist for GABA.
D) antagonist for dopamine.

Question 47

Which of the following neurotransmitters is NOT a monoamine?

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

Question 48

In Parkinsonism the tremors,muscular rigidity and reduced control over voluntary movements appears to be a function of

A) damage to glia cells.
B) degeneration of neurons that use dopamine as a neurotransmitter.
C) agonistic chemical action on the receptor sites of the cerebrum.
D) enzymatic deficiency that does not allow for the proper cleanup of waste products in the nervous system.

Question 49

Dr.Athorp has just discovered a new drug named P3X that is an agonist for GABA.It is likely that this new drug will produce side effects such as

A) general stimulation within the body and an increase in heart rate.
B) anxiety reduction and general relaxation.
C) a reduction in pain and a sense of euphoria.
D) hallucinations and disrupted sleep patterns.

Question 50

Dr.Jacoby has just discovered a new drug named Z2W that is an antagonist to acetylcholine.It is likely that this new drug will produce side effects such as

A) general stimulation within the body and an increase in heart rate.
B) paralysis and memory loss.
C) anxiety reduction and general relaxation.
D) hallucinations and disrupted sleep patterns.

Question 51

Kesha has just begun taking a new drug named BXY79 that produces side effects like muscular rigidity and tremors.Based on this information,Kesha's drug may be an

A) agonist for dopamine.
B) agonist for GABA.
C) antagonist for GABA.
D) antagonist for dopamine.

Question 52

The neurotransmitter believed to be associated with schizophrenia is

A) dopamine.
B) acetylcholine.
C) endorphin.
D) serotonin.

Question 53

In recent decades,disturbances in glutamate circuits have been implicated as a contributing factor in

A) Parkinson's disease.
B) drug cravings.
C) obsessive-compulsive disorder.
D) schizophrenic disorders.

Question 54

Based on the research into the role of glutamate circuits in the brain,you might predict that a reduction in this neurotransmitter would

A) hinder memory formation.
B) lead to facial tics or muscle tremors.
C) result in a decreased ability to modulate pain.
D) produce sleep disorders.

Question 55

Abnormalities at norepinephrine and serotonin synapses appear to play a role in which of the following?

A) hyperactivity
B) depression
C) high anxiety
D) increased appetite

Question 56

Monoamines have been associated with all of the following EXCEPT

A) aggressive behavior.
B) pain reduction.
C) schizophrenia.
D) depression.

Question 57

An antagonist

A) blocks the action of neurotransmitters.
B) prevents reuptake of neurotransmitters.
C) mimics the action of a neurotransmitter.
D) extends the absolute refractory period of neural transmission.

Question 58

Joe Camel believes that smoking tobacco is beneficial when he is studying because nicotine is an ____ for acetylcholine,which ____.

A) agonist; contributes to attention, arousal, and memory
B) antagonist; contributes to attention, arousal, and memory
C) agonist; regulates sleep and wakefulness
D) antagonist; regulates sleep and wakefulness

Question 59

When curare blocks the action of acetylcholine by occupying its receptor sites,it is acting

A) as an agonist.
B) as an antagonist.
C) as a neurotransmitter.
D) as a placebo.

Question 60

The neurotransmitter released by motor neurons that results in movement of the voluntary muscles is(are)

A) endorphins.
B) monoamines.
C) acetylcholine.
D) dopamine.

Question 61

Research suggests that the body's endogenous opioids may contribute to all of the following EXCEPT

A) the modulation of eating behavior
B) the regulation of sleep
C) the body's response to stress
D) the modulation of pain

Question 62

Which of the following individuals is likely to be at the highest level of sympathetic arousal?

A) Melissa, who is daydreaming and staring out the window
B) Keith, who is concentrating on a lecturer and taking careful notes
C) Professor Trong, who is lecturing
D) Bill, who is anticipating an exam he will take within the hour and for which he is unprepared

Question 63

Opiate drugs bind onto the same receptor sites as the body's own endorphins.Therefore,opiate drugs tend to

A) reduce anxiety.
B) produce sleepiness.
C) increase anxiety and agitation.
D) relieve pain.

Question 64

The two most basic divisions of the nervous system are the

A) sympathetic division and the parasympathetic division.
B) central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.
C) somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system.
D) brain and the spinal cord.

Question 65

The part of the nervous system that controls digestion and flow of blood is the

A) somatic nervous system.
B) motor nervous system.
C) sensory nervous system.
D) autonomic nervous system.

Question 66

Edmund was walking down a dark street when he heard a car backfire.His heart started to race and he began to perspire in response to this sudden,startling noise.These physical reactions were triggered by Edmund's

A) parasympathetic nervous system.
B) somatic nervous system.
C) sympathetic nervous system.
D) cerebellum.

Question 67

The ____ is most likely to be in control of bodily processes during periods of rest and recovery for the body.

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

Question 68

The movement of voluntary skeletal muscles involved in doing calisthenics is under the control of the

A) somatic nervous system.
B) parasympathetic nervous system.
C) sympathetic nervous system.
D) autonomic nervous system.

Question 69

Nerves outside the skull and spine comprise the

A) peripheral nervous system.
B) vascular nervous system.
C) vagus nervous system.
D) skeletal nervous system.

Question 70

Sensory information is carried from your eyes to your brain by way of

A) afferent fibers.
B) autonomic fibers.
C) efferent fibers.
D) motor fibers.

Question 71

The ____ nervous system mobilizes the body when one needs to exert tremendous energy (such as flee from an attacker).

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

Question 72

Efferent nerve fibers transmit messages ____ the brain and spinal cord.

A) within or between
B) away from
C) toward
D) away from and toward

Question 73

Handyman Bob just hit his thumb with a hammer; the sensation will be transmitted to the central nervous system by ____ nerve fibers.

A) afferent
B) efferent
C) autonomic
D) sympathetic

Question 74

When you are walking,the brain sends messages to the skeletal muscles in the legs by way of

A) efferent fibers.
B) sensory fibers.
C) afferent fibers.
D) central fibers.

Question 75

The somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system comprise the

A) central nervous system.
B) peripheral nervous system.
C) skeletal nervous system.
D) afferent nervous system.

Question 76

Sam is highly relaxed.His blood pressure and heart rate are lower than usual.This relaxation response was most likely the result of activity in his

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

Question 77

A family of chemicals produced in the body that resemble the opiates are the

A) endorphins.
B) dopamines.
C) biogenic amines.
D) acetylcholines.

Question 78

____ nerves receive information,while ____ nerves carry out instructions.

A) Afferent; efferent
B) Motor; sensory
C) Somatic; autonomic
D) Autonomic; skeletal

Question 79

The heart,glands and smooth muscles are controlled by the

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

Question 80

The "fight or flight" response is a direct result of activation of the

A) afferent nervous system.
B) efferent nervous system.
C) sympathetic nervous system.
D) parasympathetic nervous system.