Deck 3: Biological Foundations of Behavior

Question 1

Which part of the peripheral nervous system would be particularly important to a backpacker being chased by a bear?

A) sympathetic
B) intrinsic
C) parasympathetic
D) involuntary muscles

Answer 1

sympathetic

Question 2

Who is relying most heavily on their mirror neurons?

A) Francesca is watching Animal Planet on TV.
B) Billy is jumping rope as his sister watches.
C) Chie is taking a golf lesson from the local pro.
D) Pedro is going to the grocery store.

Answer 2

Chie is taking a golf lesson from the local pro.

Question 3

If a doctor told you that insufficient nutrients were being transported from your blood vessels to your neurons, you might suspect from that the problem was in your ________ cells.

A) glial
B) mirror
C) neuron
D) cerebral

Answer 3

glial

Question 4

The terms somatic nervous system and parasympathetic nervous system are best associated with the

A) somatosensory area.
B) central nervous system.
C) limbic system.
D) peripheral nervous system.

Question 5

The ability for nerve cells in the brain to change their purpose demonstrates what capacity of the brain?

A) plasticity
B) electrochemical transmission
C) complexity
D) lesioning

Question 6

Essential body functions such as heartbeat, breathing, and digestion are under the control of the

A) somatic nervous system.
B) cerebral cortex.
C) interneuron system.
D) autonomic nervous system.

Question 7

Which division of the nervous system is composed of all the sensory and motor nerves?

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

Question 8

Your brain has instructed your muscles to move so that you avoid an oncoming bicyclist. Which division of the nervous system carried this information to your muscles?

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

Question 9

Which division of the peripheral nervous system is responsible for physiological symptoms such as increased heart rate and butterflies in the stomach?

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

Question 10

The conductor of a symphony, whose job it is to get all of the different musicians to come together, is performing a role similar to which aspect of brain functioning?

A) complexity
B) integration
C) adaptability
D) plasticity

Question 11

Adaptability refers to the brain's ability to

A) regulate complex systems.
B) combine data from multiple sources.
C) adjust to changes in one's environment.
D) All of these.

Question 12

After finishing a psychology test, you try to relax by engaging in some meditation techniques. Doing these exercises should increase the response of the ________ nervous system and result in slower heart and respiration rates, and less muscular tension.

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

Question 13

Comics who perform improvisation are constantly adjusting to their environment. Their capacity for change is similar to which aspect of brain functioning?

A) complexity
B) integration
C) electrochemical transmission
D) plasticity

Question 14

Which of the following are the two integrated parts of the autonomic nervous system?

A) sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems
B) central and peripheral nervous systems
C) afferent and efferent nervous systems
D) thalamic and hypothalamic nervous systems

Question 15

At a job interview, you broke out into a cold sweat and felt your heart pounding. These symptoms were most likely produced by your ________ nervous system.

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

Question 16

The brain's special physical capacity for change is referred to as its

A) complexity.
B) integrative nature.
C) plasticity.
D) structure.

Question 17

Which of the following is a role of the autonomic nervous system?

A) controls motor neurons
B) monitors essential processes
C) conveys information to the CNS about temperature
D) controls sensory neurons

Question 18

You are sitting in a public place next to a new acquaintance to whom you are attracted. You feel this person's hand touch yours. You move your hand to return the gesture. Your heart beats faster and you feel "butterflies" in your stomach. Your hand movement was initiated by your ________ nervous system while your increased heart rate and stomach contractions were initiated by your ________ nervous system.

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

Question 19

A neurologist says that your aunt has a condition affecting her central nervous system. You know from your text that the parts affected are the

A) thalamus and the respiratory system.
B) digestive and respiratory systems.
C) brain and the spinal cord.
D) muscles and the nerves.

Question 20

Your secretary at work is typing on her computer, talking on the phone, and handing you some important papers. She is performing a role similar to which aspect of brain functioning?

A) complexity
B) integration
C) adaptability
D) plasticity

Question 21

The cell membrane of the neuron permits some substances to pass through it but not others. This is because the membrane is

A) depolarized.
B) semipermeable.
C) electrically charged.
D) covered with myelin.

Question 22

Walter has a degenerative condition that eats away at his myelin sheath. We can expect that his cognitive abilities will

A) remain the same.
B) increase significantly in proficiency.
C) increase slightly in proficiency and then decrease significantly in proficiency.
D) decrease in proficiency.

Question 23

The nucleus of a neuron is located in the

A) axon hillock.
B) terminal stub.
C) cell body.
D) synapse.

Question 24

Depolarizing the membrane during an action potential first involves the flow of ________ ions into the membrane.

A) sodium
B) potassium
C) serotonin
D) dopamine

Question 25

The cell body contains the ________ which directs the manufacture of substances that a neuron needs for growth and maintenance.

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

Question 26

When a neuron is at its resting state, what is the status of the charges on each side of the cell membrane?

A) a negative charge on the outside of the cell membrane and a positive charge on the inside
B) a negative charge on the inside of the cell membrane and a positive charge on the outside
C) a negative charge on both the outside and the inside of the cell membrane
D) a positive charge on both the outside and the inside of the cell membrane

Question 27

The outer membrane of a neuron is semipermeable. This means that

A) only sodium ions can cross the membrane.
B) the fluid outside the membrane is positively charged.
C) it allows some substances to pass through the membrane.
D) the membrane must be depolarized before any particles can pass through it.

Question 28

According to the all-or-nothing principle, what would happen if a cell were depolarized twice the normal amount needed to produce an action potential?

A) The strength of the action potential would be proportionate to the depolarization.
B) The intensity of the action potential would not be affected.
C) Nothing would happen because the cell must be polarized to fire.
D) The action potential would have an inhibitory effect on the next neuron.

Question 29

Martin's father is experiencing memory loss related to Alzheimer's disease. There is insufficient production of ________ in his brain.

A) serotonin
B) gamma-amino butyric acid
C) acetylcholine
D) dopamine

Question 30

Which of the following best represents the function of myelin sheath in the brain?

A) Becky is riding her skateboard down the hill.
B) Juan rolls down the windows in his car to create resistance.
C) Amber is putting wax on her surfboard so that it will move easily through the water.
D) Gerald is adding another coat of paint to his house.

Question 31

The primary function of dendrites is to

A) keep the cell alive.
B) transmit outgoing information.
C) secrete hormones.
D) receive incoming information.

Question 32

The neurobiologist explained to the students, "The neural system is very much like the wires connecting your T.V. and stereo to the electrical outlet.  If the wires were not covered with insulation, the signal would short circuit." The neurobiologist was describing the function of the

A) terminal button.
B) axon.
C) cell body.
D) myelin sheath.

Question 33

Another term that describes "firing" of neurons is ________ potential.

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

Question 34

The neural message being delivered in a synaptic transmission is carried across the synaptic gap by ________ substances.

A) electrical
B) ionic
C) syntonic
D) chemical

Question 35

Neurotransmitters are stored in

A) dendrites.
B) cell bodies.
C) terminal buttons.
D) nuclei.

Question 36

________ is a neurotransmitter that is produced in insufficient amounts in many Alzheimer's patients.

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

Question 37

The all-or-nothing principle refers to

A) synapses.
B) action potentials.
C) hormones.
D) glial cells.

Question 38

The physical space between two neurons is called the

A) node of Ranvier.
B) myelin sheath.
C) synapse.
D) interneuron.

Question 39

Which of the following best describes how information is transmitted within a neuron?

A) cell body → dendrite → axon
B) dendrite → cell body → axon
C) axon → dendrite → nucleus
D) nucleus → dendrite → axon

Question 40

________ cells assist in transporting nutrients to neurons.

A) Glial
B) Neurotransmitter
C) Axon
D) Mirror

Question 41

Uncle Manny has Parkinson disease. He suffers from muscular rigidity and tremors. He has low levels of ________ in his brain.

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

Question 42

Electrical activity in the brain can be captured by placing multiple electrodes on the scalp and then measuring the underlying electrical activity. This method of studying the brain's activity is referred to as

A) an electroencephalogram.
B) positron emission tomography.
C) magnetic resonance imaging.
D) a functional MRI.

Question 43

A neurotransmitter that plays a role Parkinson's disease is

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

Question 44

An fMRI can detect brain activity because

A) oxygenated blood is more prominent in areas that are active.
B) sodium is prominent in areas that are less active.
C) parts of the hindbrain are more magnetic during low activity.
D) parts of the midbrain are more magnetic during high activity.

Question 45

Based on the research on oxytocin, if Julia finds herself in a stressful situation she is most likely to

A) run away.
B) stay and confront the stressor.
C) call a friend.
D) react as if nothing is wrong.

Question 46

Kenny is taking medication to help control some of the symptoms that he experiences from Parkinson disease. If he is given too much of the medication, Kenny might start to exhibit symptoms associated with

A) depression.
B) bipolar disorder.
C) generalized anxiety.
D) schizophrenia.

Question 47

Which brain imaging technique allows scientists to actually see what is happening in the brain while it is working?

A) PET
B) fMRI
C) CT
D) lesioning

Question 48

Which part of the nervous system regulates breathing?

A) hypothalamus
B) Wernicke's area
C) medulla
D) forebrain

Question 49

The practice of women bringing food to other women during times of crisis may have been triggered by which neurotransmitter?

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

Question 50

"Running has become an important part of my life. After a good three miles, I begin to feel euphoric. This positive feeling stays with me most of the day." This runner is describing the

A) action of serotonin depletion during physical exertion.
B) extended "high" from GABA reuptake.
C) compensatory affects of acetylcholine.
D) production of endorphins.

Question 51

Which of the following neurotransmitter plays an important role in human bonding?

A) norepinephrine
B) endorphins
C) serotonin
D) oxytocin

Question 52

Depression is associated with low levels of what neurotransmitter?

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

Question 53

Which subpart of the brain is located at the rear base of the skull?

A) forebrain
B) corpus callosum
C) midbrain
D) hindbrain

Question 54

When combined with brain-imaging techniques, transcranial magnetic stimulation allows researchers to

A) draw cause and effect conclusions.
B) apply correlational inferences.
C) make naturalistic observations.
D) eliminate bias from their work.

Question 55

The ________ is the part of the hindbrain that is involved in sleep and arousal.

A) pons
B) medulla
C) cerebral cortex
D) thalamus

Question 56

If you were a neurologist and had a patient who presented with symptoms of depression, which of the following neurotransmitters would you be most interested in?

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

Question 57

Magnetic resonance imaging is a technique that works by

A) measuring the rate at which brain cells use glucose.
B) constructing a three-dimensional image from X rays.
C) transducing the electrical activity of individual neurons.
D) detecting and interpreting magnetic activity from hydrogen levels in the blood.

Question 58

Melinda suffers from migraine headaches. Which neurotransmitter may be overactive in her system?

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

Question 59

A researcher places closely spaced electrodes on her participants' heads in order to study brain activity. She is using the ________ technique.

A) EEG
B) PET
C) fMRI
D) EMG

Question 60

If a person's cerebellum were damaged in an accident, you would expect the person to have a problem with

A) breathing and heart rate.
B) seeing and hearing.
C) talking and understanding.
D) balance and muscle coordination.

Question 61

Old fashioned telephone systems used to rely on operators to take incoming calls and connect them to the appropriate persons they were intended for. Which structure of the brain performs a similar function?

A) hypothalamus
B) thalamus
C) hippocampus
D) basal ganglia

Question 62

Body temperature, emotional states, and coping with stress are functions controlled by the

A) corpus callosum.
B) hippocampus.
C) hypothalamus.
D) amygdala.

Question 63

In a study of the function of the fusiform face area, the recognition of "greebles," or face like objects, demonstrated that the fusiform face area

A) can only recognize human faces.
B) can recognize all mammal-like faces.
C) is associated with the recognition of objects that aren't necessarily related to human faces.
D) is really just a part of Broca's area.

Question 64

Which structure of the brain would be most beneficial to a professional golfer who is trying to create a repetitive golf swing?

A) amygdala
B) hippocampus
C) thalamus
D) basal ganglia

Question 65

Who would benefit the most from a highly efficient cerebellum?

A) baseball player
B) teacher
C) salesperson
D) composer

Question 66

The area critical for processing visual information is the ________ lobe.

A) parietal
B) occipital
C) frontal
D) temporal

Question 67

The somatosensory cortex processes information about

A) facial recognition.
B) body sensations.
C) voluntary movement.
D) All of these.

Question 68

Ginny was in a car accident and received damage to her amygdala. As a result, she is now more likely to

A) talk with a stutter.
B) try to eat the paper plate her sandwich is on.
C) have difficulty skipping and hopping.
D) struggle to feel a feather brushed across her cheek.

Question 69

A person who walks in a jerky, uncoordinated way may well have a disorder involving the

A) forebrain.
B) cerebellum.
C) hypothalamus.
D) midbrain.

Question 70

Conscious experience and voluntary actions are mediated by the

A) limbic system.
B) cerebral cortex.
C) cerebellum.
D) cingulate cortex.

Question 71

What area of the brain is associated with the recognition of faces and/or the recognition of other familiar objects?

A) amygdala
B) hippocampus
C) fusiform face area
D) Wernicke's area

Question 72

If you had damage to your hippocampus, it would most likely impair

A) autonomic functioning.
B) motor activity.
C) sexual functioning.
D) memory formation.

Question 73

One of the pleasure centers of the brain is found in the

A) hypothalamus.
B) corpus callosum.
C) cingulate gyrus.
D) thalamus.

Question 74

The iron rod which damaged Phineas Gage's frontal lobe resulted in

A) a hearing loss.
B) reduced ability to interpret visual information.
C) reduction in immunity to common diseases.
D) changes in personality.

Question 75

Emma just received word that her grandfather's stroke did damage to his substantia nigra. She should expect that he will

A) start to have tremors.
B) begin to forget names.
C) have difficulty seeing.
D) have some speech impediments.

Question 76

One of the important functions of the hypothalamus is

A) the maintenance of body temperature.
B) regulation of heart rate.
C) distinguishing foreground from background.
D) the maintenance of physical balance.

Question 77

The reticular formation is primarily involved in

A) controlling breathing and regulating reflexes to maintain an upright posture.
B) stereotyped patterns such as walking, sleeping, or turning to attend to a sudden noise.
C) control and coordination of balance, hearing, and parasympathetic function.
D) motor coordination and the integration of complex muscle movements.

Question 78

Joe has brushed his teeth seven times this morning. More than likely, he has a damaged

A) amygdala.
B) thalamus.
C) hippocampus.
D) hypothalamus.

Question 79

When you walk to class, you do not have to think consciously about how to walk. When you get there, you pay attention to the lecture even though it is boring and you are tired. The structure that plays an important role in these activities by manipulation of various neurotransmitters is the

A) reticular formation.
B) frontal lobe.
C) hypothalamus.
D) amygdala.

Question 80

Theus is about to take the Bar Exam. Which lobe of the brain will he be relying on most to do well?

A) frontal
B) occipital
C) temporal
D) parietal