Deck 2: Biological Foundations of Behavior

Question 1

In a neuron,the cell's metabolic functions are performed by the

A) soma.
B) axon.
C) terminal button.
D) synapse.
E) dendrite.

Answer 1

soma.

Question 2

What best identifies the job of a synapse?

A) to produce neurotransmitters
B) to provide a place in which neurons can communicate with one another
C) to house the neuron's genetic material
D) to allow an attachment between the axon and the cell body
E) to release neurotransmitters

Answer 2

to provide a place in which neurons can communicate with one another

Question 3

What is the job of a dendrite?

A) to send signals to other neurons
B) to receive signals from other neurons
C) to synthesize neurotransmitters
D) to control metabolic functions
E) to generate action potentials

Answer 3

to receive signals from other neurons

Question 4

All of the following are components of a neuron EXCEPT the

A) soma.
B) axon.
C) synapse.
D) dendrite.
E) cell body.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes a synapse?

A) A tiny gap separating one neuron from another through which messages are carried
B) The tubelike part of a neuron that carries messages to other neurons
C) Rootlike structures that receive neural impulses from other neurons
D) Body organs or structures that produce secretions
E) A bundle of axons from different neurons that transmit nerve impulses

Question 6

In neurons,efferent is to ______ as afferent is to ______.

A) sensory; motor
B) motor; sensory
C) motor; interneuron
D) interneuron; sensory
E) sensory; interneuron

Question 7

Regarding a neuron's soma,all but which of the following are TRUE?

A) The soma conducts outgoing messages to other neurons.
B) The soma is the neuron's cell body.
C) The soma conducts life-sustaining functions of the cell.
D) The soma contains the cell's genetic material.
E) The soma houses the cell's nucleus.

Question 8

The knoblike swellings at the ends of axons are called

A) terminal buttons.
B) synapses.
C) soma.
D) dendrites.
E) nodes of Ranvier.

Question 9

Regarding neurons,which of the following is NOT true?

A) Each is a single nerve cell.
B) They transmit electrical impulses.
C) They contain genetic material.
D) They are the only cells found in the nervous system.
E) They come in three types - motor,sensory,and interneuron.

Question 10

The fundamental building block of the nervous system is the ________.

A) nerve
B) brain
C) neuron
D) spinal cord
E) pituitary gland

Question 11

Afferent neurons

A) transmit information about the outside world to the spinal cord and brain.
B) convey messages from the brain and spinal cord to the muscles of the body controlling movement.
C) convey messages to glands for the release of hormones.
D) connect neurons to other neurons.
E) are also known as motor neurons.

Question 12

Regarding the nervous system,which of the following statements is FALSE?

A) Nerves are not the same as neurons and can be visible to the human eye.
B) The nervous system has more than one type of neuron.
C) There are more neurons than glial cells in the nervous system.
D) A nerve is best defined as a bundle of axons from different neurons.
E) Glial cells serve to support neurons,as well as to form the myelin sheath on axons.

Question 13

Regarding terminal buttons,which of the following is FALSE?

A) The terminal buttons release neurotransmitters.
B) Terminal buttons store and release chemicals that carry neural messages to other nearby neurons.
C) Terminal buttons are the most common type of neuron in the nervous system.
D) Terminal buttons look like knobby swellings.
E) The terminal buttons are found at the end of axons.

Question 14

Which part of a neuron may range in size from a few thousandths of an inch to several feet long?

A) axon
B) synapse
C) myelin
D) soma
E) There are no parts of a neuron that are this size.

Question 15

There are ______ types of neurons in the human nervous system and these are called ______.

A) 2; axons and dendrites
B) 2; interneurons and glial cells
C) 3; afferent,efferent,and associative cells
D) 3; glial cells,nerves,and myelin cells
E) 3; nodes of Ranvier,glial cells,and myelin cells

Question 16

Which of the best identifies the function of the soma?

A) sending signals to other neurons
B) controlling metabolic processes
C) producing myelin
D) receiving signals from other neurons
E) releasing neurotransmitters to other neurons

Question 17

What is the most common type of neuron found in your nervous system?

A) sensory
B) motor
C) somatic
D) afferent
E) interneuron

Question 18

In a neuron,_____ is to sending as ______ is to receiving.

A) soma; synapse
B) terminal button; synapse
C) axon; dendrite
D) terminal button; soma
E) dendrite; axon

Question 19

Which part of a neuron could best be described as a "docking station"?

A) myelin sheath
B) axon
C) soma
D) synapse
E) dendrite

Question 20

Chemical messengers that transport nerve impulses from one nerve cell to another are called

A) hormones.
B) glials.
C) synapses.
D) neurotransmitters.
E) interneurons.

Question 21

Glial cells function most like which of the following?

A) staples
B) tape
C) paper clips
D) fasteners
E) glue

Question 22

Shalanda's daughter touches her hand.Sensory receptors in Shalanda's skin transmit information about this sensation to Shalanda's spinal cord and brain.Which type of neuron is responsible for this process?

A) Motor
B) Glial
C) Associative
D) Efferent
E) Afferent

Question 23

Which of the following is NOT true of action potentials?

A) They are generated according to an all-or-none principle.
B) They all travel at the same speed.
C) They are electrical charges that shoot down the axon.
D) They are initiated when the axon is depolarized sufficiently.
E) They are followed by a refractory period.

Question 24

During his first three years of life,Jason has developed many motor skills like crawling,walking,and running that require his muscles to move efficiently and smoothly.In terms of brain function,Jason's motor development is the result of which process?

A) Stripping of the nodes of Ranvier
B) Development of the myelin sheath
C) Depolarization
D) Development of action potentials
E) Regulation of hormones

Question 25

Glial cells do all but which of the following?

A) form the myelin sheath
B) assist neurons in communicating with each other
C) remove waste products from neurons
D) nourish neurons
E) produce neurotransmitters

Question 26

In neural communication,______ is to key as ______ is to lock.

A) axon; dendrite
B) neuron; glial cell
C) neurotransmitter; receptor site
D) synapse; soma
E) action potential; resting potential

Question 27

White matter refers to

A) clusters of glial cells.
B) myelinated axons.
C) clusters of synapses.
D) nodes of Ranvier.
E) unmyelinated axons.

Question 28

Depolarization occurs when the neuron becomes

A) less negative due to influx of sodium ions.
B) more negative due to influx of sodium ions.
C) more negative due to influx of potassium.
D) less negative due to outflow of sodium ions.
E) more negative due to outflow of sodium ions.

Question 29

What is the approximate resting potential of a neuron?

A) -50 mV
B) -70 mV
C) +50 mV
D) +70 mV
E) 0 mV

Question 30

Gaps in myelin that create non-insulated areas along an axon are called

A) nodes of Ranvier.
B) terminal buttons.
C) synapses.
D) receptors.
E) interneurons.

Question 31

Prolonged neurotransmitter activity is prevented by all of the following functions EXCEPT

A) reuptake.
B) release of excitatory neurotransmitters.
C) breakdown of neurotransmitters by enzymes.
D) regulation of sensitivity to neurotransmitters.
E) release of neuromodulators.

Question 32

Which of the following does NOT occur during the refractory period?

A) Sodium gates close.
B) Positively charged ions are pumped out.
C) Electrochemical balance is restored.
D) Neurotransmitters are pumped in.
E) The neuron cannot fire.

Question 33

Besides the neuron,the other main type of cell in the nervous system is the

A) glial cell.
B) synaptic cell.
C) nerve cell.
D) somatic cell.
E) myelin cell.

Question 34

After a neuron fires,about how long is its refractory period?

A) one-thousandth of a second
B) one-hundredth of a second
C) one-tenth of a second
D) one second
E) one-thousandth of a minute

Question 35

The resting potential of a neuron is a result of

A) high concentration of sodium ions outside the cell.
B) high concentration of sodium ions inside the cell.
C) low concentration of potassium ions outside the cell.
D) high concentration of potassium ions inside the cell.
E) balanced concentration of sodium ions and potassium ions inside the cell.

Question 36

Psychologists believe that irregularities in ______ transmission may help explain symptoms of schizophrenia.

A) glutamate
B) dopamine
C) norepinephrine
D) epinephrine
E) gamma-amniobutyric acid

Question 37

The fatty layer of cells that is wrapped around many axons is called the

A) myelin sheath.
B) synaptic cover.
C) dendritic wrap.
D) terminal button.
E) nerve.

Question 38

Associative neuron is another name for

A) sensory neuron.
B) motor neuron.
C) interneuron.
D) efferent neuron.
E) somatic neuron.

Question 39

______ are also called neural impulses.

A) Enzymes
B) Refractory periods
C) Action potentials
D) Resting Potentials
E) Neuromodulators

Question 40

What is the best estimate of the number of neurons in your brain?

A) about 10 to 20 million
B) several hundred million
C) about 1 billion
D) 10 to 99 billion
E) at least 100 billion

Question 41

In contrast to agonists,antagonists are drugs that

A) increase the availability of neurotransmitters.
B) increase the effectiveness of neurotransmitters.
C) block receptor sites.
D) mimic the action of neurotransmitters.
E) speed up the transmission of neural impulses.

Question 42

Which of the following is an antagonist the blocks the actions of a particular neurotransmitter?

A) Amphetamines that produce states of pleasure.
B) Caffeine that keeps the central nervous system stimulated.
C) Antipsychotic drugs that help control hallucinations and delusional thinking.
D) Alcohol that produces a relaxed feeling.
E) A tranquilizer like Valium that reduces anxiety in people with panic disorder.

Question 43

The brain and the spinal cord make up the

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

Question 44

Endorphins are similar in chemical structure to which drug?

A) cocaine
B) amphetamines
C) caffeine
D) alcohol
E) heroin

Question 45

The peripheral nervous system connects the spinal cord and brain with the

A) sensory organs and muscles.
B) sensory organs and glands.
C) muscles and glands.
D) the sensory organs,glands,and muscles.
E) muscles.

Question 46

Your anatomy professor states that today's lecture will be about the central nervous system.Which parts of the body do you expect to learn about?

A) the brain
B) the spinal cord
C) the brain and spinal cord
D) the brain,spinal cord,and all other nerves
E) the brain,spinal cord,and the sensory organs

Question 47

Sharon is a long-distance runner.After a certain point in her workout,she begins to feel a natural "high" instead of pain.This feeling is likely the result of chemicals in her brain called

A) stimulants.
B) enzymes.
C) endorphins.
D) adrenalines.
E) hormones.

Question 48

Agonists________,whereas antagonists ________.

A) increase the availability of neurotransmitters; increase the effectiveness of neurotransmitters
B) block receptor sites; increase the effectiveness of neurotransmitters.
C) increase the availability of neurotransmitters; block receptor sites.
D) speed up the transmission of neural impulses; mimic the action of neurotransmitters
E) speed up the transmission of neural impulses; increase the effectiveness of neurotransmitters

Question 49

Anxiety disorders such as panic disorder may be due to reduced levels of

A) dopamine.
B) glutamate.
C) serotonin.
D) gamma-amniobutyric acid (GABA).
E) fluoxetine.

Question 50

Cocaine and amphetamines increase the availability of which neurotransmitter?

A) Glutamate
B) Serotonin
C) Norepinephrine
D) Dopamine
E) Gamma-amniobutyric acid (GABA)

Question 51

Delta Epsilon fraternity sponsors a Beer Fest every October,where party-goers consume large amounts of alcohol.At the neurotransmitter level,what is happening to the party-goers?

A) Alcohol decreases sensitivity of receptor sites for serotonin.
B) Alcohol increases sensitivity of receptor sites for gamma-amniobutyric acid (GABA).
C) Alcohol increases sensitivity of receptor sites for serotonin.
D) Alcohol mimics the effects of endorphins.
E) Alcohol decreases sensitivity of receptor sites for gamma-amniobutyric acid (GABA).

Question 52

Fourteen-year-old Anton takes Prozac for his depression.Chemically speaking,Prozac works for Anton primarily by increasing the availability of ______ in his brain.

A) dopamine
B) gamma-amniobutyric acid (GABA)
C) norepinephrine
D) glutamate
E) serotonin

Question 53

Shelley drinks two caffeinated grande lattes every morning.In terms of neurotransmission,what is happening in Shelley's body?

A) Caffeine in the coffee serves as an agonist that suppresses the actions of glutamate and enhances the actions of dopamine.
B) Caffeine in the coffee serves as an agonist that suppresses the actions of dopamine.
C) Caffeine in the coffee serves as an antagonist that enhances the actions of glutamate.
D) Caffeine in the coffee serves as an agonist that enhances the actions of glutamate.
E) Caffeine in the coffee serves as an antagonist that suppresses the actions of dopamine.

Question 54

Actor Michael J.Fox and boxing great Muhammad Ali have a disease that leads to progressive loss of their motor functioning.This condition results from a shortage of

A) epinephrine.
B) norepinephrine.
C) dopamine.
D) gamma-amniobutyric acid (GABA).
E) serotonin.

Question 55

The peripheral nervous system consists of

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

Question 56

Which of the following acts as an antagonist rather than an agonist?

A) Amphetamines that produce states of pleasure.
B) Caffeine that keeps the central nervous system stimulated.
C) Antipsychotic drugs that help control hallucinations and delusional thinking..
D) Alcohol that produces a relaxed feeling.
E) A tranquilizer like Valium that reduces anxiety in people with panic disorder.

Question 57

Which of the following neurotransmitters prevents neurons from overly exciting adjacent nerve cells?

A) Gamma-amniobutyric acid (GABA)
B) Glutamate
C) Dopamine
D) Norepinephrine
E) Serotonin

Question 58

Regarding Parkinson's disease,which of the following statements is FALSE?

A) Scientists believe that genetic factors are involved.
B) It is a degenerative brain disease.
C) Symptoms include tremors,muscle rigidity,and difficulty controlling finger and hand movements.
D) It affects about 1.5 million Americans.
E) It involves an excess of the neurotransmitter glutamate.

Question 59

Regarding neurotransmission,which of the following statements is FALSE?

A) The nervous system depends on a balance between neural excitation and inhibition to function effectively.
B) Excitatory effects make an action potential more likely to occur,whereas inhibitory effects make action potentials less likely to occur.
C) All neurotransmitters have both excitatory and inhibitory effects.
D) Neurotransmitters that do not dock at receptor sites are decomposed in the synaptic gap or are reabsorbed by the transmitting neuron.
E) Neurotransmitters carry messages controlling all aspects of human activity,from the biological to the mental to the emotional.

Question 60

Agonists do all of the following EXCEPT

A) increase the availability of neurotransmitters.
B) increase the effectiveness of neurotransmitters.
C) block reuptake of neurotransmitters.
D) mimic the action of neurotransmitters.
E) block receptor sites.

Question 61

Which of the following situations is the type of physical functioning primarily influenced by the parasympathetic nervous system?

A) Aaron's body releases glucose when he stands up to the bully at school.
B) Betty meditates and visualizes positive outcomes every morning upon awakening.
C) Chan's pupils dilate when he tells a lie to his father.
D) Dawn's heart beats faster as she prepares to take her first psychology exam.
E) Evan's breathing rate increases while giving a speech.

Question 62

The body's master control unit describes

A) the autonomic nervous system.
B) the somatic nervous system.
C) the central nervous system.
D) the sympathetic nervous systems.
E) the central processing system.

Question 63

The part of the nervous system that enables you to make sense of the world around you is the

A) the autonomic nervous system.
B) the perceptual nervous system.
C) the sympathetic nervous system.
D) the central nervous system.
E) the central processing system.

Question 64

The brain has ______ major parts and they are called the ______.

A) 4; frontal,parietal,occipital,and temporal lobes
B) 2; sympathetic and parasympathetic regions
C) 3; amygdala,hippocampus,and thalamus
D) 3; hindbrain,midbrain,and forebrain
E) 3; medulla,pons,and cerebellum

Question 65

The peripheral nervous system is described as comprising

A) the autonomic nervous system and the central nervous system.
B) the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system.
C) the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems.
D) the parasympathetic and the somatic nervous systems.
E) the sympathetic and the somatic nervous systems.

Question 66

Which of the following DOES NOT describe functions of the autonomic nervous system?

A) It operates without conscious direction.
B) It transmits messages between the central nervous system and sensory organs and muscles.
C) It consists of the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems.
D) It regulates involuntary bodily processes.
E) It regulates respiration.

Question 67

Which portion of the central nervous system serves as the link between the brain and the peripheral nervous system?

A) The forebrain
B) The lower brain
C) The midbrain
D) The hindbrain
E) The spinal cord

Question 68

Which part of the brain controls balance and coordination?

A) cerebrum
B) cerebellum
C) pons
D) medulla
E) thalamus

Question 69

In the autonomic nervous system,_______ is to release,whereas ______ is to replenish.

A) peripheral; central
B) sympathetic; parasympathetic
C) spinal cord; brain
D) central; peripheral
E) parasympathetic; sympathetic

Question 70

Which of the following is NOT part of the hindbrain?

A) cerebellum
B) reticular formation
C) medulla
D) pons
E) brainstem core

Question 71

A _____ is an automatic,unlearned response to a stimulus.

A) phenotype
B) reticular formation
C) nerve
D) synapse
E) reflex

Question 72

Trina has recently been having trouble staying awake throughout the day.Which area of Trina's brain is related to her difficulty?

A) cerebellum
B) pons
C) medulla
D) cerebrum
E) hippocampus

Question 73

The body's master control unit describes

A) the autonomic nervous system.
B) the somatic nervous system.
C) the central nervous system.
D) the sympathetic nervous system.
E) the central processing system.

Question 74

During the past hour,nine-month-old Heather has engaged in each of the following actions.Which action was NOT controlled by her medulla?

A) She had an accelerated heart beat when her older brother frightened her.
B) She coughed after breathing in some dust particles.
C) She swallowed formula from her bottle.
D) Wind caused her mobile to move,and she smiled.
E) Developing allergies caused her to sneeze.

Question 75

Which of the following statements about spinal reflexes is FALSE?

A) They are unlearned reactions.
B) They bypass the brain.
C) They allow very quick responses.
D) They always involve three neurons.
E) They are automatic.

Question 76

Your heartbeat,digestion,and pupil contractions are ______ processes regulated by the ______ nervous system.

A) involuntary; somatic
B) involuntary; autonomic
C) controllable; somatic
D) voluntary; somatic
E) voluntary; autonomic

Question 77

The sympathetic nervous system does each of the following EXCEPT ________

A) increase heart rate.
B) release glucose.
C) increase respiration.
D) draw stored energy from bodily reserves.
E) promote digestion.

Question 78

The fact that alcohol often causes problems with balance and coordination suggests that it may have an effect on the

A) cerebrum.
B) corpus callosum.
C) cerebellum.
D) thalamus.
E) reticular formation.

Question 79

The two subdivisions of the autonomic nervous system are

A) the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system.
B) the somatic nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.
C) the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems.
D) the involuntary and the voluntary nervous systems.
E) the sympathetic and the somatic nervous systems.

Question 80

On a camping trip,Eleni accidentally steps on a hot coal from the campfire.Upon touching the coal,her foot reflexively withdraws from the coal.What is the sequence of response in Eleni's neurons?

A) Sensory neuron - interneuron - motor neuron
B) Sensory neuron - motor neuron - interneuron
C) Motor neuron - interneuron - sensory neuron
D) Motor neuron - sensory neuron - interneuron
E) Interneuron - sensory neuron - motor neuron