BioPsy Flashcards
(133 cards)
1
Q
What is meant by “monism”?
a. The idea that all forms of life evolved from a single ancestor
b. The idea that conscious and unconscious motivations combine to produce behavior
c. The idea that the mind is made of the same substance as the rest of the universe
d. The idea that the mind is one type of substance as matter is another
A
c. The idea that the mind is made of the same substance as the rest of the universe
2
Q
Of the following, which one is an example of an evolutionary explanation (as opposed to a functional explanation)?
a. People evolved a fear of snakes because many snakes are dangerous.
b. Humans have a (tiny) tailbone because our ancient monkey-like ancestors had a tail.
c. People evolved an ability to recognize faces because that ability is essential for cooperative social behaviors.
d. People evolved a tendency to form long-term male–female bonds because human infants benefit from the help of two parents during their long period of dependence.
A
b. Humans have a (tiny) tailbone because our ancient monkey-like ancestors had a tail.
3
Q
3.Of the following, which is a reason favoring the use of animals in biological psychology research aimed at solving human problems?
a. Nonhuman animals engage in all the same behaviors as humans.
b. One human differs from another, but nonhumans are nearly the same as one another.
c. The nervous system of nonhuman animals resembles that of humans in many ways.
A
c. The nervous system of nonhuman animals resembles that of humans in many ways.
4
Q
What does a “minimalist” favor with regard to animal research?
a. All research should have a minimum of at least 10 animals per group.
b. A minimum of three people should review each research proposal.
c. Interference with animal research should be held to a minimum.
d. Animal research is permissible but should be held to a minimum.
A
d. Animal research is permissible but should be held to a minimum.
5
Q
Santiago Ramón y Cajal was responsible for which of these discoveries?
a. The human cerebral cortex has many specializations to produce language.
b. The brain’s left and right hemispheres control different functions.
c. The nervous system is composed of separate cells.
d. Neurons communicate at specialized junctions called synapses.
A
c. The nervous system is composed of separate cells.
6
Q
What does an afferent axon do?
a. It controls involuntary behavior.
b. It controls voluntary behavior.
c. It carries output from a structure.
d. It brings information into a structure.
A
d. It brings information into a structure.
7
Q
Of these species, which probably has the longest axons?
a. Humans
b. Chimpanzees
c. Cheetahs
d. Giraffes
A
d. Giraffes
8
Q
Which of the following is NOT one of the four major structures that compose a neuron?
a. Dendrites
b. Glia
c. Soma
d. Axon
e. Presynaptic terminal
A
b. Glia
9
Q
Which of the following is something that glia do NOT do?
a. Synchronize activity of a group of axons
b. Remove waste material
c. Dilate blood vessels to increase blood flow to the most active brain areas
d. Conduct action potentials
A
d. Conduct action potentials
10
Q
An advantage of the blood–brain barrier is that it keeps out most ______. A disadvantage is that it also keeps out ______.
a. viruses . . . most nutrients
b. small molecules . . . fat-soluble molecules
c. harmful gases . . . oxygen
d. waste products . . . water
A
a. viruses . . . most nutrients
11
Q
Which of these chemicals cross the blood–brain barrier by active transport?
a. Oxygen, water, and fat-soluble molecules
b. Glucose and amino acids
c. Proteins
d. Viruses
A
b. Glucose and amino acids
12
Q
What makes brain cancers so difficult to treat?
a. Nearly all chemotherapy drugs fail to cross the blood–brain barrier.
b. Brain cancers spread more rapidly than other cancers.
c. The brain includes more pain receptors than other organs.
d. The brain has a very low metabolic rate.
A
a. Nearly all chemotherapy drugs fail to cross the blood–brain barrier.
13
Q
What is the brain’s main source of fuel?
a. Glucose
b. Glutamate
c. Thiamine
d. Proteins
A
a. Glucose
14
Q
When the neuron’s membrane is at rest, sodium ions are more concentrated ______ the cell, and potassium ions are more concentrated ______.
a. inside . . . outside
b. inside . . . inside
c. outside . . . inside
d. outside . . . outside
A
c. outside . . . inside
15
Q
When the membrane is at rest, the concentration gradient tends to draw potassium ions ______ the cell, and the electrical gradient draws them ______ the cell.
a. into . . . out of
b. into . . . into
c. out of . . . into
d. out of . . . out of
A
c. out of . . . into
16
Q
When the membrane is at rest, the concentration gradient tends to draw sodium ions ______ the cell, and the electrical gradient draws them ______ the cell.
a. into . . . out of
b. into . . . into
c. out of . . . into
d. out of . . . out of
A
b. into . . . into
17
Q
The sodium–potassium pump moves sodium ions ______ and moves potassium ions ______.
a. into the cell . . . out of the cell
b. into the cell . . . into the cell
c. out of the cell . . . into the cell
d. out of the cell. . . out of the cell
A
c. out of the cell . . . into the cell
18
Q
Suppose a neuron has a resting potential of −70 mV. If the potential goes to −80 mV, the change would be a ______.
a. depolarization
b. hyperpolarization
A
b. hyperpolarization
19
Q
Under what conditions does an axon produce an action potential?
a. Whenever the membrane is hyperpolarized
b. Whenever the membrane’s potential reaches the threshold
c. Whenever the membrane is depolarized
d. Whenever the membrane’s potential reaches zero
A
b. Whenever the membrane’s potential reaches the threshold
20
Q
During the rising portion of the action potential, which ions are moving across the membrane and in which direction?
a. Sodium ions move out.
b. Sodium ions move in.
c. Both sodium and potassium ions move in.
d. Potassium ions move in.
A
b. Sodium ions move in.
21
Q
After the action potential reaches its peak, the potential across the membrane falls toward its resting level. What accounts for this recovery?
a. The sodium–potassium pump removes the extra sodium.
b. Potassium ions move out because their channels are open, and the electrical gradient pushes them out.
c. Potassium ions move out because their channels are open, and the concentration gradient pushes them out.
d. Potassium ions move in.
A
c. Potassium ions move out because their channels are open, and the concentration gradient pushes them out.
22
Q
Which of the following is one way of stating the all-or-none law?
a. The amplitude of the action potential in one axon is the same as that in another axon.
b. At a given time, either all axons produce action potentials, or none do.
c. All stimuli that exceed the threshold produce equivalent responses in the axon.
d. During an action potential, all sodium channels open at the same time.
A
c. All stimuli that exceed the threshold produce equivalent responses in the axon.
23
Q
To which part or parts of a neuron does the all-or-none law apply?
a. Axons
b. Dendrites
c. Both axons and dendrites
A
a. Axons
24
Q
What does the myelin sheath of an axon accomplish?
a. It enables an axon to communicate with other axons.
b. It enables action potentials to travel both directions along an axon.
c. It enables nutrients to enter the axon.
d. It enables action potentials to travel more rapidly.
A
d. It enables action potentials to travel more rapidly.
25
Is it true that we use only 10 percent of our brain? If so, what does that mean?
a. At any moment, only 10 percent of brain cells are active.
b. You could lose 90 percent of your brain and still do what you are doing now.
c. About 90 percent of the brain’s neurons are immature and not yet functional.
d. No, the statement is false and nonsensical.
d. No, the statement is false and nonsensical.
26
Which animal species would have the longest axons?
The longest axons occur in the largest animals. For example, giraffes and elephants have axons that extend from the spinal cord to the feet, nearly 2 meters away.
27
Identify the four major structures that compose a neuron.
Dendrites, soma (cell body), axon, and presynaptic terminal.
28
Which chemicals cross the blood–brain barrier passively?
Small, uncharged molecules such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water cross the blood–brain barrier passively. So do chemicals that dissolve in the fats of the membrane.
29
Which chemicals cross the blood–brain barrier by active transport?
Glucose, amino acids, purines, choline, certain vitamins, iron, and a few hormones.
30
What is the difference between a hyperpolarization and a depolarization?
A hyperpolarization is an exaggeration of the usual negative charge within a cell (to a more negative level than usual). A depolarization is a decrease in the amount of negative charge within the cell.
31
What is the relationship between the threshold and an action potential?
A depolarization that passes the threshold produces an action potential. One that falls short of the threshold does not produce an action potential.
32
As the membrane reaches the peak of the action potential, what brings the membrane down to the original resting potential?
After the peak of the action potential, potassium ions exit the cell, driving the membrane back to the resting potential. Important note: The sodium–potassium pump is NOT responsible for returning the membrane to its resting potential. The sodium–potassium pump is too slow for this purpose.
33
State the all-or-none law.
According to the all-or-none law, the size and shape of the action potential are independent of the intensity of the stimulus that initiated it. That is, every depolarization beyond the threshold of excitation produces an action potential of about the same amplitude and velocity for a given axon.
34
Suppose researchers find that axon A can produce up to 1,000 action potentials per second (at least briefly, with maximum stimulation), but axon B can never produce more than 100 per second (regardless of the strength of the stimulus). What could we conclude about the refractory periods of the two axons?
Axon A must have a shorter absolute refractory period, about 1 ms, whereas B has a longer absolute refractory period, about 10 ms.
35
In a myelinated axon, how would the action potential be affected if the nodes were much closer together? How might it be affected if the nodes were much farther apart?
If the nodes were closer, the action potential would travel more slowly. If they were much farther apart, the action potential would be faster if it could successfully jump from one node to the next. When the distance becomes too great, the current cannot diffuse from one node to the next and still remain above threshold, so the action potentials would stop.
36
What evidence led Sherrington to conclude that transmission at a synapse is different from transmission along an axon?
a. Chemicals that alter a synapse are different from those that affect action potentials.
b. The velocity of a reflex is slower than the velocity of an action potential.
c. Stains and microscopic observations demonstrate a gap at the synapse.
d. Reflexes can go in either direction, whereas axons transmit in only one direction.
b. The velocity of a reflex is slower than the velocity of an action potential.
37
Although one pinch did not cause a dog to flex its leg, a rapid sequence of pinches did. Sherrington cited this observation as evidence for what?
a. Temporal summation
b. Spatial summation
c. Inhibitory synapses
a. Temporal summation
38
3.Although one pinch did not cause a dog to flex its leg, several simultaneous pinches at nearby locations did. Sherrington cited this observation as evidence for what?
a. Temporal summation
b. Spatial summation
c. Inhibitory synapses
b. Spatial summation
39
When a vigorous pinch excited a dog’s flexor muscle, it decreased excitation of the extensor muscles of the same leg. Sherrington cited this observation as evidence for what?
a. Temporal summation
b. Spatial summation
c. Inhibitory synapses
c. Inhibitory synapses
40
5.During an epsp, the ___ gates in the membrane open. During an ipsp, the ___ gates open.
a. sodium . . . potassium or chloride
b. potassium . . . sodium or chloride
c. chloride . . . sodium or potassium
a. sodium . . . potassium or chloride
41
In what way were Sherrington’s conclusions important for psychology as well as neuroscience?
a. He demonstrated the importance of unconscious motivations.
b. He demonstrated the importance of inhibition.
c. He demonstrated the phenomenon of classical conditioning.
d. He demonstrated the evolution of intelligence.
b. He demonstrated the importance of inhibition.
42
What was Loewi’s evidence that neurotransmission depends on the release of chemicals?
a. He applied adrenaline to muscles and saw them contract.
b. He applied drugs at various synapses and observed excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials.
c. He stimulated one frog’s heart, collected fluid around it, transferred it to another frog’s heart, and saw change in its heart rate.
d. He stimulated certain nerves, collected the fluid around their terminals, and analyzed the contents chemically.
c. He stimulated one frog’s heart, collected fluid around it, transferred it to another frog’s heart, and saw change in its heart rate
43
Which of the following is NOT one of the brain’s neurotransmitters?
a. Glutamate
b. GABA
c. Glucose
d. Serotonin
c. Glucose
44
The amino acid tryptophan is a precursor to which neurotransmitter?
a. Serotonin
b. Dopamine
c. Glutamate
d. Acetylcholine
a. Serotonin
45
Suppose you want to cause the presynaptic terminal of an axon to release its transmitter. How could you do so without an action potential?
a. Decrease the temperature at the synapse.
b. Use an electrode to produce IPSPs in the postsynaptic neuron.
c. Inject water into the presynaptic terminal.
d. Inject calcium into the presynaptic terminal.
d. Inject calcium into the presynaptic terminal.
46
The brain’s most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter is ______, and its most abundant inhibitory neurotransmitter is ______.
a. GABA . . . serotonin
b. serotonin . . . dopamine
c. Dopamine . . . glutamate
d. Glutamate . . . GABA
d. Glutamate . . . GABA
47
In which of these ways does a metabotropic synapse differ from an ionotropic synapse?
a. Its effects are slower to start and last longer.
b. Its effects are faster to start and last longer.
c. Its effects are slower to start and briefer in duration.
d. Its effects are faster to start and briefer in duration.
a. Its effects are slower to start and last longer.
48
What is a second messenger?
a. A chemical released by the presynaptic neuron a few milliseconds after release of the first neurotransmitter
b. A chemical released inside a cell after stimulation at a metabotropic synapse
c. A chemical that travels from the postsynaptic neuron back to the presynaptic neuron
b. A chemical released inside a cell after stimulation at a metabotropic synapse
49
Which of the following is true of neuropeptides?
a. They are released close to their receptors.
b. A neuron releases them at a steady rate almost constantly.
c. They produce rapid, brief effects.
d. They are released either in large quantities or not at all.
d. They are released either in large quantities or not at all.
50
Which of these drugs exerts its behavioral effects by binding to the same receptor as a neurotransmitter?
a. Amphetamine
b. Cocaine
c. Nicotine
d. Marijuana
c. Nicotine
51
Which neurotransmitter is broken into two pieces to inactivate it, after it excites the postsynaptic neuron?
a. Dopamine
b. Acetylcholine
c. Glutamate
d. Serotonin
b. Acetylcholine
52
What does a transporter protein do at a synapse?
a. It carries neurotransmitter molecules from the presynaptic neuron to the postsynaptic neuron.
b. It carries neurotransmitter molecules from the cell body to the presynaptic terminal.
c. It carries neurotransmitter molecules from neurons that have too much into neurons that need more.
d. It pumps used neurotransmitter molecules back into the presynaptic neuron.
d. It pumps used neurotransmitter molecules back into the presynaptic neuron.
53
Except for the magnitude and speed of effects, methylphenidate (Ritalin) affects synapses the same way as which other drug?
a. Heroin
b. Cocaine
c. Nicotine
d. Marijuana
b. Cocaine
54
Which of these drugs acts by inhibiting release of neurotransmitters from the presynaptic neuron?
a. Opiates such as morphine
b. Cannabinoids (found in marijuana)
c. Nicotine
d. Amphetamine and cocaine
b. Cannabinoids (found in marijuana)
55
In contrast to the posterior pituitary, the anterior pituitary...
a. is neural tissue that releases oxytocin and vasopressin.
b. is glandular tissue that releases oxytocin and vasopressin.
c. is neural tissue that produces hormones that control other endocrine organs.
d. is glandular tissue that produces hormones that control other endocrine organs.
d. is glandular tissue that produces hormones that control other endocrine organs.
56
In what way is a neuropeptide intermediate between neurotransmitters and hormones?
a. A neuropeptide diffuses more widely than other neurotransmitters but less than a hormone.
b. A neuropeptide is larger than other neurotransmitters but smaller than a hormone.
c. A neurotransmitter produces excitatory effects, a neuropeptide produces neutral effects, and a hormone produces negative effects.
d. A neurotransmitter produces slow effects, a neuropeptide produces faster effects, and a hormone produces still faster effects.
a. A neuropeptide diffuses more widely than other neurotransmitters but less than a hormone.
57
What is the difference between temporal summation and spatial summation?
Temporal summation is the combined effect of quickly repeated stimulation at a single synapse. Spatial summation is the combined effect of several nearly simultaneous stimulations at several synapses onto one neuron.
58
What was Sherrington’s evidence for inhibition in the nervous system?
Sherrington found that a reflex that stimulates a flexor muscle prevents contraction of the extensor muscles of the same limb. He therefore inferred that an interneuron that excited motor neurons connected to the flexor muscle also inhibited the input to the extensor muscle.
59
Can an inhibitory message flow along an axon?
No. Only action potentials propagate along an axon. Inhibitory messages—IPSPs—decay over time and distance.
60
What was Loewi’s evidence that neurotransmission depends on the release of chemicals?
When Loewi stimulated a nerve that increased or decreased a frog’s heart rate, he could withdraw fluid from the area around the heart, transfer it to another frog’s heart, and thereby increase or decrease its rate also.
61
What does a highly active brain area do to increase its blood supply?
In a highly active brain area, many stimulated neurons release nitric oxide, which dilates the blood vessels in the area and thereby increases blood flow to the area.
62
Name the three catecholamine neurotransmitters.
Epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine
63
When the action potential reaches the presynaptic terminal, which ion must enter the presynaptic terminal to evoke release of the neurotransmitter?
Calcium
64
How do ionotropic and metabotropic synapses differ in speed and duration of effects?
Ionotropic synapses act more quickly and more briefly.
65
What are second messengers, and which type of synapse relies on them?
At metabotropic synapses, the neurotransmitter attaches to its receptor and thereby releases a chemical (the second messenger) within the postsynaptic cell, which alters metabolism or gene expression of the postsynaptic cell.
66
How are neuropeptides special compared to other transmitters?
Neuropeptides are released only after prolonged stimulation, but when they are released, they are released in large amounts by all parts of the neuron, not just the axon terminal. Neuropeptides diffuse widely, producing long-lasting effects on many neurons.
67
What happens to acetylcholine molecules after they stimulate a postsynaptic receptor?
The enzyme acetylcholinesterase breaks acetylcholine molecules into two smaller molecules, acetate and choline, which are then reabsorbed by the presynaptic terminal.
68
What happens to serotonin and catecholamine molecules after they stimulate a postsynaptic receptor?
Most serotonin and catecholamine molecules are reabsorbed by the presynaptic terminal. Some of their molecules are broken down into inactive chemicals, which then diffuse away.
69
Which part of the pituitary—anterior or posterior—is neural tissue, similar to the hypothalamus? Which part is glandular tissue and produces hormones that control the secretions by other endocrine organs?
The posterior pituitary is neural tissue, like the hypothalamus. The anterior pituitary is glandular tissue and produces hormones that control several other endocrine organs.
70
In what way is a neuropeptide intermediate between neurotransmitters and hormones?
Most neurotransmitters are released in small amounts close to their receptors. Neuropeptides are released into a brain area in larger amounts or not at all. When released, they diffuse more widely. Hormones are released into the blood for diffuse delivery throughout the body.
71
The term meaning toward the stomach side is ___, and its opposite is ___.
a .medial . . . lateral
b. lateral . . . medial
c. ventral . . . dorsal
d. dorsal . . . ventral
c. ventral . . . dorsal
72
The term meaning toward the midline is ___, and its opposite is ___.
a. medial . . . lateral
b. lateral . . . medial
c. ventral . . . dorsal
d. dorsal . . . ventral
a. medial . . . lateral
73
If two structures are on the same side of the body, they are ___ to each other. If they are on opposite sides, they are ___.
a. medial . . . lateral
b. lateral . . . medial
c. ipsilateral . . . contralateral
d. contralateral . . . ipsilateral
c. ipsilateral . . . contralateral
74
A plane that shows structures as viewed from the left or right side is called what?
a. Sagittal
b. Frontal
c. Coronal
d. Horizontal
a. Sagittal
75
What is the difference between the dorsal and ventral roots of the spinal cord?
a. The dorsal roots control “fight-or-flight” activity, and the ventral roots control vegetative, nonemergency responses.
b. The dorsal roots control vegetative, nonemergency responses, and the ventral roots control “fight-or-flight” activity.
c. The dorsal roots contain sensory input, and the ventral roots contain motor output.
d. The dorsal roots contain motor output, and the ventral roots contain sensory input.
c. The dorsal roots contain sensory input, and the ventral roots contain motor output.
76
Why do most cold remedies increase heart rate and blood pressure?
a. These drugs block the sympathetic nervous system.
b. These drugs block the parasympathetic nervous system.
c. These drugs block the ventral roots of the spinal cord.
d. These drugs block the dorsal roots of the spinal cord.
b. These drugs block the parasympathetic nervous system.
77
Of the following, which one is part of the forebrain?
a. Cerebellum
b. Pons
c. Superior colliculus
d. Hippocampus
d. Hippocampus
78
The pituitary gland is attached to which brain structure?
a. Cerebellum
b. Medulla
c. Thalamus
d. Hypothalamus
d. Hypothalamus
79
If we compare the brains of humans to those of smaller mammals, which of these patterns do we find?
a. The location of the visual cortex varies relative to other brain areas.
b. The proportion of the brain devoted to the cerebral cortex is smaller in humans.
c. The proportion of the brain devoted to the cerebellum is about the same.
d. The relative size of the midbrain is larger in humans.
c. The proportion of the brain devoted to the cerebellum is about the same.
80
Which of these is in the temporal lobe of the cerebral cortex?
a. Primary visual cortex
b. Primary auditory cortex
c. Primary somatosensory cortex
d. Primary motor cortex
b. Primary auditory cortex
81
Which of these is in the parietal lobe of the cerebral cortex?
a. Primary visual cortex
b. Primary auditory cortex
c. Primary somatosensory cortex
d. Primary motor cortex
c. Primary somatosensory cortex
82
Which of these is in the occipital lobe of the cerebral cortex?
a. Primary visual cortex
b. Primary auditory cortex
c. Primary somatosensory cortex
d. Primary motor cortex
a. Primary visual cortex
83
Which of these is in the frontal lobe of the cerebral cortex?
a. Primary visual cortex
b. Primary auditory cortex
c. Primary somatosensory cortex
d. Primary motor cortex
d. Primary motor cortex
84
The main functions of the prefrontal cortex include which of the following?
a. Perceiving the location of body parts in space
b. Providing a pool of immature neurons to replace those damaged in other brain areas
c. Coordination of slow, repetitive movements
d. Working memory and weighing the pros and cons of a possible action
d. Working memory and weighing the pros and cons of a possible action
85
Which of the following is necessary for binding to occur?
a. Perceiving different aspects of a sensation as coming from the same location
b. Correctly perceiving the size and shape of a stimulus
c. Perceiving the direction of movement of an object
d. Correctly perceiving the color of an object
a. Perceiving different aspects of a sensation as coming from the same location
86
Which of the following is a method to inactivate a brain area temporarily?
a. Stereotaxic instrument
b. Transcranial magnetic stimulation
c. Lesion
d. Ablation
b. Transcranial magnetic stimulation
87
Which of these is the first step in using the optogenetic technique?
a. Inject a radioactive chemical into the blood.
b. Insert an electrode into the brain.
c. Subject the brain to a strong magnetic field.
d. Attach light-sensitive proteins to a virus.
d. Attach light-sensitive proteins to a virus.
88
Which of these is the first step for positron-emission tomography (PET)?
a. Inject a radioactive chemical into the blood.
b. Insert an electrode into the brain.
c. Subject the brain to a strong magnetic field.
d. Attach light-sensitive proteins to a virus.
a. Inject a radioactive chemical into the blood.
89
What is one advantage of fMRI over PET scans?
a. The fMRI technique measures activity on a millisecond-by-millisecond basis.
b. The fMRI technique does not require inserting an electrode into the head.
c. The fMRI technique does not expose the brain to radioactivity.
d. The fMRI technique identifies which brain areas are most active at a given moment.
c. The fMRI technique does not expose the brain to radioactivity.
90
Suppose someone demonstrates that a particular brain area becomes active when people listen to music. What would be a good way to test whether this brain area is really specialized for music perception?
a. Test whether the fMRI recordings are stronger in people who enjoy music more than others do.
b. Test whether this brain area becomes silent when someone is not listening to music.
c. Examine the size of this brain area in nonhuman animals.
d. Test whether we can use fMRI recordings to guess what kind of music someone is hearing.
d. Test whether we can use fMRI recordings to guess what kind of music someone is hearing.
91
Which of these methods measures brain anatomy but NOT brain activity?
a. EEG
b. PET
c. MRI
d. fMRI
c. MRI
92
Comparing MRI and fMRI, which one(s) measure the responses of brain chemicals to a magnetic field? Which one(s) show which brain areas are most active at the moment?
a. Only MRI measures responses of brain chemicals to a magnetic field. Both show which brain areas are most active at the moment.
b. Only fMRI measures responses of brain chemicals to a magnetic field. Only MRI shows which brain areas are most active at the moment.
c. Both measure responses of brain chemicals to a magnetic field. Only fMRI shows which brain areas are most active at the moment.
d. Both measure responses of brain chemicals to a magnetic field. Both show which brain areas are most active at the moment.
c. Both measure responses of brain chemicals to a magnetic field. Only fMRI shows which brain areas are most active at the moment.
93
In which regard, if either, do human brains exceed those of all other species?
a. Humans have the largest brains in total mass.
b. Humans have the largest brain-to-body ratio.
c. Humans do not exceed all other species in either regard.
c. Humans do not exceed all other species in either regard.
94
Most studies using modern methods show a moderate positive correlation between brain size and IQ scores. Nevertheless, interpreting these results is problematic. Why?
a. As children grow older, their brain size increases but their IQ decreases.
b. When people are sleepy or sick, their brain size remains the same but their IQ performance drops.
c. On average, men have larger brains than women, but equal IQ scores.
d. Some parts of the brain are more important for IQ than other parts are.
c. On average, men have larger brains than women, but equal IQ scores.
95
In which way do men and women differ most, on the average?
a. Intellectual performance
b. Gray matter (neuron cell bodies)
c. White matter (axons)
c. White matter (axons)
96
Nearly all neuroscientists and philosophers support the position of ____.
monism
exceptionalism
dualism
relativism
monism
97
A(n) ____ explanation relies on activity of the brain and other organs.
ontogenetic
evolutionary
physiological
functional
physiological
98
Human language developed as the result of genes and the opportunity to hear language during a sensitive period in early life. What type of explanation is this?
physiological
ontogenetic
evolutionary
functional
ontogenetic
99
Mapping out the relationship between shared bone structures across different species suggests that there is a(n) ____ explanation.
ontogenetic
evolutionary
behavioral
physiological
evolutionary
100
The branching fibers that form the information-receiving pole of the nerve cells are called _____.
motor neurons
dendrites
sensory neurons
axons
dendrites
101
Neurons typically have one ____, but many ____.
dendrite; axons
axon; dendrites
cell body; axons
dendrite; cell bodies
axon; dendrites
102
As compared to dendrites, axons usually ____.
form the information-receiving pole of the neuron
are shorter in length
are covered with myelin
taper in diameter toward their periphery
are covered with myelin
103
Glucose enters the brain via which type of transport?
indirect transport
direct transport
passive transport
active transport
active transport
104
Electrical gradients lead to the ____.
general movement of ions into the neuron
general movement of ions out of the neuron
movement of ions to areas having the same electrical charges
movement of ions to areas having opposite electrical charges
movement of ions to areas having opposite electrical charges
105
What occurs when depolarization is less than the cell’s threshold?
Sodium is prevented from crossing the membrane.
Potassium is prevented from crossing the membrane.
Sodium crosses the membrane only slightly more than usual.
The cell will still produce an action potential.
Sodium crosses the membrane only slightly more than usual.
106
What is the proper ordering of a reflex arc?
motor neuron, sensory neuron, interneuron.
sensory neuron, motor neuron, interneuron.
motor neuron, interneuron, sensory neuron.
sensory neuron, interneuron, motor neuron.
sensory neuron, interneuron, motor neuron.
107
Inhibitory synapses on a neuron ____.
hyperpolarize the postsynaptic cell
weaken the cell’s polarization
increase the probability of an action potential
move the potential closer to the cell’s threshold
hyperpolarize the postsynaptic cell
108
Which statement is TRUE about the spontaneous firing rates of neurons?
EPSPs increase the frequency.
EPSPs decrease the frequency.
IPSPs increase the frequency.
One EPSP equals the effect of two IPSPs.
EPSPs increase the frequency.
109
The research that firmly established synaptic communication as chemical was ____.
Elliot’s adrenaline mimicking sympathetic activation
Loewi’s transfer of fluid from stimulated frog hearts
Sherrington’s study of reflexes
Eccles’s measurement of IPSPs
Loewi’s transfer of fluid from stimulated frog hearts
110
A hormone is a chemical that is ____.
secreted by a gland to the outside world
conveyed by the blood to other organs, whose activity it influences
capable of activating or inhibiting muscle fibers
a feedback message from the postsynaptic neuron to the presynaptic neuron
conveyed by the blood to other organs, whose activity it influences
111
Who is most associated with the idea that consciousness should be regarded as a fundamental property?
Chalmers
Descartes
Leibniz
Tinbergen
Chalmers
112
An adult male sparrow sings its normal song ____.
if he hears the song during a sensitive period early in his life
only when he hears a female bird singing
if his own species’ song is the first song he hears when young
regardless of whether or not he has ever heard his species’ song from another bird
if he hears the song during a sensitive period early in his life
113
Consciousness occurs ____.
in all kinds of nervous systems some of the time
in certain parts of certain kinds of nervous system all of the time
in certain parts of certain kinds of nervous systems some of the time
in all kinds of nervous systems all of the time
in certain parts of certain kinds of nervous systems some of the time
114
A(n) ____ investigates the chemical reactions in the brain.
neurochemist
psychophysiologist
comparative psychologist
neurologist
neurochemist
115
Gaps in the insulating material that surrounds axons are known as ____.
interpeduncular nuclei
nodes of Ranvier
myelin synapses
presynaptic terminals
nodes of Ranvier
116
What mechanism prevents or slows some chemicals from entering the brain, while allowing others to enter?
a threshold
a blood-brain barrier
an endoplasmic wall
a differential-drug inhibitor
a blood-brain barrier
117
What will most affect the speed of an action potential?
the strength of the stimulus
the time since the last action potential
the length of the axon
the resistance of the membrane
the resistance of the membrane
118
According to the all-or-none law, ____.
all neurons produce an action potential at the same time or none at all
all of the extracellular sodium enters the axon, or none at all
once an axon reaches threshold, the amplitude and velocity of an action potential are nearly equal each time-
neurons are either active all the time or not at all
once an axon reaches threshold, the amplitude and velocity of an action potential are nearly equal each time-
119
Which event is most likely to be dependent on ionotropic effects?
drowsiness
hormone release
hunger
rapid muscle contraction
rapid muscle contraction
120
Avoiding foods with lecithin, such as eggs and peanuts, would affect the levels of which neurotransmitter the most?
acetylcholine
serotonin
GABA
endorphin
acetylcholine
121
Reuptake is an alternative to which other process?
recycling of neurotransmitters
breaking down neurotransmitters via an enzymatic process
absorbing neurotransmitters by postsynaptic neurons
re-releasing neurotransmitters from postsynaptic neurons
breaking down neurotransmitters via an enzymatic process
122
Exocytosis is the process by which neurotransmitters are ____.
released from the presynaptic neuron
synthesized
destroyed
secreted into synaptic vesicles
released from the presynaptic neuron
123
The presynaptic terminal stores high concentrations of neurotransmitter molecules in ____.
axons
vesicles
peptides
dendrites
vesicles
124
A metabotropic synapse, by way of its second messenger, ____.
has effects localized to one point on the membrane
can influence activity in much of the presynaptic cell
can influence activity in much or all of the postsynaptic cell
has minimal effect on the postsynaptic cell
can influence activity in much or all of the postsynaptic cell
125
When an action potential reaches the end of an axon, the depolarization causes what ionic movement in the presynaptic cell?
sodium out of the cell
lithium out of the cell
iron into the cell
calcium into the cell
calcium into the cell
126
Suppose you have high sensitivity to the taste of PTC. If your mother also has high sensitivity, what (if anything) can you predict about your father’s taste sensitivity?
a. He has high taste sensitivity.
b. He has low taste sensitivity.
c. We do not have enough information to make a prediction.
c. We do not have enough information to make a prediction.
127
Suppose you have high sensitivity to the taste of PTC. If your mother has low sensitivity, what (if anything) can you predict about your father’s taste sensitivity?
a. He has high taste sensitivity.
b. He has low taste sensitivity.
c. We do not have enough information to make a prediction.
a. He has high taste sensitivity.
128
What is a sex-limited gene?
a. A gene on the X chromosome
b. A gene on the Y chromosome
c. A gene that sex hormones activate
d. A gene that becomes active during sexual activity
c. A gene that sex hormones activate
129
Suppose someone identifies a “gene for” certain aspects of sexual development. In what ways might that statement be misleading?
a. The statement didn’t specify whether the gene was dominant or recessive.
b. Many aspects of sexual development are not apparent until puberty.
c. Almost any characteristic depends on many genes, as well as influences from the environment.
c. Almost any characteristic depends on many genes, as well as influences from the environment.
130
How does an epigenetic change differ from a mutation?
a. An epigenetic change is a duplication or deletion of part of a gene.
b. An epigenetic change is an alteration of gene activity without structurally replacing any part of the gene itself.
c. An epigenetic change alters more than one gene at a time.
d. An epigenetic change is beneficial, whereas a mutation is harmful.
b. An epigenetic change is an alteration of gene activity without structurally replacing any part of the gene itself.
131
How does adding a methyl or acetyl group to a histone protein alter gene activity?
a. A methyl group turns genes off. An acetyl group loosens histone’s grip and increases gene activation.
b. A methyl group turns genes on. An acetyl group tightens histone’s grip and decreases gene activation.
c. A methyl group increases the probability of a mutation, whereas an acetyl group decreases the probability.
d. A methyl group decreases the probability of a mutation, whereas an acetyl group increases the probability.
a. A methyl group turns genes off. An acetyl group loosens histone’s grip and increases gene activation.
132
Which of the following is NOT one of the main types of evidence to estimate the heritability of some behavior?
a. Comparisons between monozygotic and dizygotic twins
b. Similarities between adopted children and their biological parents
c. Examination of identified genes that might vary between people showing one behavior and another
d. Comparisons of people living in different cultures
d. Comparisons of people living in different culture
133
Q
Suppose someone determines the heritability of IQ scores for a given population. Then society changes in a way that provides the best possible opportunity for everyone within that population. How will the heritability of IQ change, if at all?
a. Heritability will increase.
b. Heritability will decrease.
c. Heritability will stay the same.
a. Heritability will increase.
