CH-4 The Biological Bases of Behaviour – Psychology and Life : Exam Guide

Chapter 4: The Biological Bases of Behaviour 1) What radical idea was proposed by Descartes in the seventeenth century? A) all animals have spirits. B) the human body is an "animal machine." C) humans are no more intelligent than animals. D) human action cannot be understood by using scientific means. Answer: B Rationale: Descartes proposed that the human body is an ‘animal machine’ that can be understood scientifically. 2) Which statement about the neuron is accurate? A) The soma contains the nucleus and cytoplasm that sustains its life. B) The terminal button extends outward from the cell body and receives incoming signals C) The dendrite conducts information along its length, at the end of which can be found terminal buttons D) The axon is a bulblike structure through which stimulation of nearby glands, muscles, or other neurons is made possible Answer: A Rationale: The soma, or cell body, contains the nucleus of the cell and the cytoplasm that sustain its life. 3) The children in a classroom are playing the role of different parts of a neuron and arranging themselves in the order that information follows as it passes along the neuron. Which sequence is correct? A) dendrites, soma, axon, terminal buttons. B) axon, dendrites, soma, terminal buttons. C) terminal buttons, soma, dendrites, axon. D) soma, terminal buttons, axon, dendrites. Answer: A Rationale: The dendrites pass information on to the soma or cell body, which integrates the information and passes it to the axon, which passes the information to the terminal buttons that are then able to stimulate other neurons (or glands, muscles, etc.) by releasing the neurotransmitter that is stored in them. The neurotransmitter crosses the synapse to the dendrites and the process starts again. 4) Children are lined up holding hands pretending to be a neuron. Marty is at one end receiving input from other ‘neurons’. Marty is holding hands with Stacy, Alice, and finally James who is the last one to receive the input. Who in this line of children is the dendrite? A) James B) Alice C) Stacy D) Marty Answer: D Rationale: Dendrites receive input from other neurons, so this would be Marty. 5) Which structure lies between the sensory neurons and the motor neurons? A) axon B) terminal button C) interneuron D) medial neuron Answer: C Rationale: The interneuron relays messages from sensory neurons to other interneurons or to motor neurons. 6) Which swollen, bulblike structures at the end of the neuron make it possible for the neuron to stimulate nearby glands, muscles, or other neurons? A) vesicles B) axons C) dendrites D) terminal buttons Answer: D Rationale: Neurotransmitters are released from the terminal buttons and have an effect on the next neuron in the sequence of neurons or on nearby glands and muscles. 7) Which structures carry messages away from the central nervous system toward the muscles and glands? A) glial cells B) interneurons C) motor neurons D) sensory neurons Answer: C Rationale: This is one of three major classes of neuron: motor, sensory, and interneurons. Motor neurons carry messages away from the brain and spinal cord to produce responses in muscles and glands. 8) When a finger is pricked by a thorn, what is the order in which information is communicated, from the time of the prick through to withdrawal of the hand and realization of pain? A) sensory neuron, brain, interneuron, motor neuron B) sensory neuron, interneuron, motor neuron, brain C) motor neuron, interneuron, brain, sensory neuron D) brain, interneuron, sensory neuron, motor neuron Answer: B Rationale: Sensory neurons take the information from the environment (the thorn) to an interneuron in the spinal cord. This interneuron stimulates a motor neuron, which excites appropriate muscles to pull your hand away from the thorn. Only after this has occurred does the brain receive the information; the perception of pain occurs in the brain after you have physically responded to the danger. 9) Which structures carry the sounds and smells of the environment from the sensory receptors to the brain? A) motor neurons B) sensory neurons C) interneurons D) microneurons Answer: B Rationale: Sensory neurons carry messages from the sensory receptors toward the central nervous system. 10) Which statement about the myelin sheath is accurate? A) It has no known function. B) It is composed of glial cells. C) It decreases the speed of nerve signal conduction. D) It is implicated in Parkinson’s disease. Answer: B Rationale: The myelin sheath is an insulating cover around some types of axons. It is composed of glial cells. 11) In loose terms, what does the neuron depend upon when making the "decision" to fire or not? A) the excitatory inputs it receives. B) the inhibitory inputs it receives. C) the intensity of the action potential. D) the excitatory and inhibitory inputs it receives. Answer: D Rationale: Whether the neuron fires or not will depend on the pattern of excitatory and inhibitory inputs over time. When inputs reach the right threshold, the neuron will fire. The decision to fire or not is made on the basis of information arriving at the dendrites, then integrated and passed on by the soma. 12) Which statement about the neuron at rest is accurate? A) the neuron is depolarized. B) there is more potassium inside the neuron than outside. C) it does not have the capacity to respond to stimulation. D) the inside of the neuron is more negative than the fluid outside the neuron. Answer: D Rationale: The fluid inside the cell is polarized with respect to the fluid outside the cell (fluid inside the cell has a slightly more negative voltage). This slight polarization is called a resting potential. 13) What happens to the sodium molecule at the initiation of an action potential? A) It moves outside the cell. B) It moves inside the cell. C) It moves down the axon. D) It moves toward the end of the terminal button. Answer: B Rationale: As the nerve cell begins the transition from a resting potential to an action potential, sodium rushing into the cell, causing the neuron to become fully depolarized. 14) Where does the potassium ion move when the neuron is returning to its resting state? A) Inside the cell. B) Outside the cell. C) Down the axon. D) Toward the end of the terminal button. Answer: B Rationale: After an action potential, the sodium channels close and the potassium channels open, allowing potassium to flow out of the neuron and restoring its negative charge. 15) The channels that allow sodium to flow into the neuron close and the channels that allow potassium to flow out open. Which statement about the state of the neuron is accurate? A) It has reached its action potential threshold. B) It is in the process of being depolarized and will soon fire. C) It is in the process of returning to its original resting state. D) It has an ion exchange malfunction. Answer: C Rationale: When the inside of the neuron becomes positive because sodium has rushed into it, the neuron is depolarized. The channels that allow sodium in then close and the channels that allow potassium to flow out open. The outflow of potassium allows the cell to return to a resting state. This progression happens successively down the axon until all of the axon has depolarized and then been returned to the resting state. 16) Where are the nodes of Ranvier located? A) In myelinated neurons only. B) In unmyelinated neurons only. C) In the dendrites of the neuron. D) In both myelinated and unmyelinated neurons. Answer: A Rationale: The tiny gaps between the nodes of an axon are called nodes of Ranvier. In myelinated axons the action potential skips from one node to the next. 17) What statement about the absolute refractory period is true? A) neurons can fire intermittently. B) no amount of further stimulation can induce another action potential to develop. C) only the strongest stimulation will cause another action potential to be generated. D) the neuron will be triggered by a stimulus that is slightly stronger than what is typically required. Answer: B Rationale: To be able to generate another action potential, the neuron must reset itself and await stimulation that is beyond its threshold. 18) Where are neurotransmitters stored? A) In synaptic vesicles. B) In the nodes of Ranvier. C) In the dendrites. D) In synaptic clefts. Answer: A Rationale: Neurotransmitters are stored in the synaptic vesicles on the terminal button. 19) Which sequence most accurately reflects the events involved in synaptic transmission? A) binding of neurotransmitters to receptor molecules; dispersal across the synaptic cleft; rupturing of synaptic vesicles; action potential B) rupturing of synaptic vesicles; dispersal across the synaptic cleft; action potential; binding of neurotransmitters to receptor molecules C) action potential; rupturing of synaptic vesicles; dispersal across the synaptic cleft; binding of neurotransmitters to receptor molecules D) action potential; dispersal across the synaptic cleft; binding of neurotransmitters to receptor molecules; rupturing of synaptic vesicles Answer: C Rationale: Neurotransmitters must be released through this sequence of events so that they can attach to receptor molecules on the next neuron, thus continuing the sequence of firing or non-firing of neurons. 20) With respect to neuronal transmission, what does the image of a key fitting into a keyhole best illustrate? A) How synaptic vesicles are activated by an action potential. B) How the end of one neuron fits snugly into another. C) How ion channels open and close. D) How neurotransmitters bind to receptor molecules. Answer: D Rationale: Neurotransmitters bind to receptor molecules if no other neurotransmitters or chemical substances are attached to the receptor molecule and if the shape of the neurotransmitter matches the shape of the receptor molecule, just as a key fits into a keyhole. 21) Which neuroptransmitter is linked to both botulism poisoning and curare? A) acetylcholine. B) GABA. C) dopamine. D) norepinephrine. Answer: A Rationale: The botulism toxin prevents the release of acetylcholine in the respiratory system, causing death by suffocation. Curare paralyzes lung muscles by occupying critical acetylcholine receptors so that the neurochemical cannot work as it normally does. 22) Which neurotransmitter decreases anxiety? A) acetylcholine. B) GABA. C) nitric oxide. D) dopamine. Answer: B Rationale: GABA inhibits neural activity; when levels of this neurotransmitter are low, people may experience anxiety or depression. Medications that help alleviate the symptoms of these disorders increase GABA activity. 23) Which behaviour is greatly affected by the catecholamines? A) amnesia. B) schizophrenia. C) dementia. D) pain. Answer: B Rationale: Catecholamines are classes of chemical substances that include two neurotransmitters, norepinephrine and dopamine, that have been shown to play an important role in mood disturbances and schizophrenia. 24) What is the most likely mechanism of action of hallucinogenic drugs? A) suppression of the effect of serotonin. B) enhancement of the production of serotonin. C) enhancement of the effect of serotonin D) depletion of serotonin from the brain. Answer: A Rationale: The serotonin neurons normally inhibit other neurons, but the lack of inhibition caused by the LSD creates vivid and bizarre sensory experiences. 25) Why are endorphins referred to as "the keys to paradise"? A) Because they have the capacity to alter a person's mood state. B) Because these substances can reduce the addictive properties of recreational drugs. C) Because of their pleasure-pain controlling properties. D) Because many prescription medications have endorphins as their primary component. Answer: C Rationale: Endorphins are neuromodulators that play an important role in the regulation of emotional behaviour—they modify or modulate the activity of the neuron that receives them postsynaptically. 26) A research participant is given a dose of naloxone and then his arm placed in a bucket of ice water. Typically this is a painful experience. How will the participant likely respond? A) He will experience little or no pain. B) He will experience a placebo effect. C) He will undergo a painful experience. D) His body will stop producing endorphins. Answer: C Rationale: Naloxone blocks any attempt to reduce pain through release of endorphins. 27) According to research, how does oxytocin affect human behaviour? A) Individuals become aggressive. B) Individuals place trust in others in high-risk situations. C) Individuals detect deception in others more often than not. D) Individuals show improvement in planning and reasoning skills. Answer: B Rationale: Oxytocin dampens fear responses, thereby increasing the ability of people to trust in situations when perhaps they shouldn't. 28) Which statement about the function of oxytocin is accurate? A) It promotes the belief that future interactions will be rewarding. B) It reduces feelings of depression. C) It helps individuals to act on information that indicates that a trust has been broken. D) It influences brain activity similar to that of a placebo. Answer: A Rationale: Research suggests that oxytocin has an impact because it promotes approach behavior. The decision to trust comes down to approach or avoidance. High brain levels of oxytocin tilt the balance toward approach and make it seem likely that future interactions will continue to be rewarding. 29) How did the case of Phineas P. Gage impact the study of psychology? A) It provided evidence for the link between verbal and motor behaviour. B) It indicated that the brain and complex psychological processes are closely related. C) It illustrated the impact of near-death experiences on motivation. D) It suggested that intelligence is primarily environmentally determined. Answer: B Rationale: The traumatic piercing of his brain led his doctor to hypothesize that personality and rational behaviour might be based in the brain. 30) Which brain function is primarily associated with Broca's area? A) memory. B) emotion. C) language. D) physical movement. Answer: C Rationale: Broca’s area is the region of the brain that translates thoughts into speech of signs. 31) What is the primary challenge of studying participants whose brains have been accidentally damaged? A) researchers have no control over the location or extent of the damage. B) individuals with damaged brains are less likely to consent to being studied by researchers. C) Researchers have difficulty obtaining an adequate sample size. D) Ethics committees prohibit research with people who have suffered damage to their brains. Answer: A Rationale: To produce a well-founded understanding of the brain and its relationship to behaviour and cognition, scientists need methods that allow them to specify the brain tissue that has been damaged or incapacitated. 32) What does the application of rTMS typically include? A) A series of words is rapidly delivered to the individual through earphones. B) Reversible "lesions" inactivate areas of the brain. C) The individual makes decisions within a group format. D) The individual undergoes a physical stress test. Answer: B Rationale: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation uses pulses of magnetic stimulation to create temporary reversible lesions in human brains so that, without any damage, brain regions will temporarily be inactive. 33) Which approach is the most invasive technique used to examine the functions of the brain? A) lesioning. B) magnetic resonance imaging. C) positron emission tomography. D) functional magnetic resonance imaging. Answer: A Rationale: Lesions are highly localized brain injuries. Lesions that create permanent damage to the brain can be carried out only with nonhuman animals. The ethics of this kind of research has now come under heightened scrutiny. 34) In the 1950s, Walter Hess examined 4500 brain sites in nearly 500 cats using which technique? A) brain lesions B) functional MRI C) electrical recording D) electrical stimulation Answer: D Rationale: Hess pioneered the use of electrical stimulation to probe structures deep in the brain when he put electrodes into the brains of freely moving cats. 35) Which assessment technique shows the location of brain activity and involves the injection of a radioactive substance? A) MRI B) fMRI C) PET scan D) electroencephalogram Answer: C Rationale: Radioactive substances are taken up by active brain cells. Recordings outside the skull detect the radioactivity emitted by cells that are active during different cognitive or behavioural activities. This, with the help of a computer, constructs a dynamic portrait of the brain. 36) Which technique uses special radio receivers to detect information from resonating atoms in order to assess brain activity? A) MRI B) EEG C) PET scan D) electrical stimulation Answer: A Rationale: The MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to generate pulses of energy in the brain. When the magnetic pulse is turned off, the atoms vibrate as they return to their original positions. Channeled to the computer by special radio receivers this resonance or vibration generates images of different atoms in different areas of the brain, thus linking brain structures to psychological processes. 37) Which technique should be used to enable precise claims about both the structure and the function of the brain? A) a PET scan B) An electroencephalohram C) functional MRI D) electrical stimulation Answer: C Rationale: The fMRI detects magnetic changes in blood flow to cells in the brain, allowing identification of cognitive functions such as attention, perception, language processing, and memory. 38) What are the two major subdivisions of the nervous system? A) somatic and autonomic B) peripheral and somatic C) central and peripheral D) sympathetic and parasympathetic Answer: C Rationale: The two major divisions of the nervous system is the central nervous system, containing the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system which is made up of all the neurons forming the nerve fibres that connect the CNS to the body. 39) Which nervous system is comprised of all the neurons of the brain and spinal cord? A) central B) somatic C) autonomic D) peripheral Answer: A Rationale: The central nervous system is composed of all the neurons in the brain and spinal cord. 40) Which structure controls the hand when it reflexively withdraws from a painful stimulus? A) The brain. B) The spinal cord. C) The frontal lobe. D) The cerebellum. Answer: B Rationale: Although the brain will be notified of the action, the spinal cord takes care of simple reflex actions on its own. 41) Which activity does not require the brain to initiate the response? A) shaking someone else's hand. B) pulling one’s hand from a hot stove. C) imagining what it feels like to be paralyzed. D) feeling the difference between velvet and sandpaper. Answer: B Rationale: The spinal cord is responsible for simple fast-action reflexes such as pulling a hand away from a hot stove. 42) A first-time marathon runner is learning that running a marathon can be quite stimulating. How are the applause from the spectators, the sights along the road, and the pain of exertion brought to the central nervous system? A) By the cerebellum. B) By the thalamus. C) By the brain stem. D) By the peripheral nervous system. Answer: D Rationale: The central nervous system is isolated from the outside world. It is the role of the peripheral nervous system to give the central nervous system information from sensory receptors and to then relay messages from the brain to the body’s muscles and glands. 43) Which nervous system initiates the fear response to an emergency situation? A) Central B) Distal C) sympathetic D) parasympathetic Answer: C Rationale: The somatic system regulates the action of skeletal muscles and is involved with the behaviour of writing. The autonomic system includes the sympathetic division which governs responses to emergency situations. 44) Which part of the body is directly responsible for respiration, digestion, and arousal? A) spinal cord. B) somatic nervous system. C) central nervous system. D) autonomic nervous system. Answer: D Rationale: The autonomic nervous system works even when we are asleep, sustaining basic life processes. 45) Which statement regarding the divisions of the nervous system is correct? A) the somatic nervous system can be divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. B) the peripheral nervous system can be divided into the somatic and autonomic nervous systems. C) the autonomic nervous system can be divided into the peripheral and central nervous systems. D) the central nervous system can be divided into the somatic and autonomic nervous systems. Answer: B Rationale: The somatic nervous system regulates the action of the body's skeletal muscles. The autonomic nervous system sustains basic life processes and survival of the organism. 46) When one is startled in an unfamiliar location, which part of the nervous system automatically triggers the leg muscles to move? A) spinal cord B) parasympathetic division C) somatic nervous system D) central nervous system Answer: C Rationale: The sympathetic branch of the peripheral nervous system is responsible for survival of the individual in emergency situations. The somatic system controls the skeletal muscles which are necessary for response to this emergency. 47) Which part of the nervous system slows down the heart rate once an emergency situation has been resolved? A) somatic B) central C) parasympathetic D) sympathetic Answer: C Rationale: The sympathetic system is responsible for response to emergency situations. The parasympathetic nervous system monitors the body's internal routine operations and returns the body to its day-to-day state when the emergency is resolved. 48) A student is walking through an exhibit at the science museum entitled "The Living Brain." The exhibit takes the student from the outer layers of the brain to its deepest recesses. What is the route that the student will follow? A) cerebrum, limbic system, brain stem B) brain stem, limbic system, cerebrum C) limbic system, cerebrum, brain stem D) cerebrum, brain stem, limbic system Answer: A Rationale: The brain has three interconnected layers. The cerebral cortex, the outer layer of the cerebrum wraps around the limbic system, which in turn wraps around the brain stem in the deepest recesses of the brain. 49) Which brain structure is involved primarily in autonomic processes such as heart rate and breathing? A) cerebrum B) brain stem C) limbic system D) amygdala Answer: B Rationale: The brain stem is in the deepest recesses of the brain and contains structures primarily responsible for automatic functions that keep us alive. 50) Which brain structure integrates sensory information and facilitates abstract thought? A) cerebrum B) cerebellum C) thalamus D) hypothalamus Answer: A Rationale: The cerebrum, particularly the cerebral cortex, is responsible for integrating sensory information from various sensory modalities and higher cognitive functions, including abstract thought, reasoning, and decision-making. It is the largest part of the brain and plays a central role in complex cognitive processes. 51) Which brain structure controls breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate? A) pons B) medulla C) amygdala D) hippocampus Answer: B Rationale: The medulla is located at the very top of the spinal cord within the brain stem. The medulla is essential for breathing, blood pressure, and the beating of the heart, which all happen automatically, without conscious control. 52) Which brain structure arouses the cerebral cortex to attend to new stimulation even during sleep? A) pons B) medulla C) cerebellum D) reticular formation Answer: D Rationale: This is a dense network of nerve cells that arouses the cerebral cortex to pay attention to new input even during sleep. Severe damage to this area results in a coma. 53) When reading an exam question, which brain structure relays information from the eyes to the occipital cortex? A) thalamus B) cerebellum C) hypothalamus D) reticular formation Answer: A Rationale: Fibers run from the reticular formation to the thalamus which channels incoming sensory information to the appropriate areas of the cerebral cortex where the information is processed. 54) Which brain structure is often more develolped in ballet dancers and gymnasts? A) thalamus B) cerebellum C) hippocampus D) reticular formation Answer: B Rationale: The cerebellum is attached to the brain stem. Damage to this area interrupts the flow of smooth movement causing movement to appear uncoordinated. The cerebellum is also involved in the ability to learn and perform sequences of body movements. 55) Which brain strucures are included in the limbic system? A) medulla, hippocampus and pons. B) hypothalamus, cerebrum and cerebellum. C) hypothalamus, hippocampus and amygdala. D) reticular formation, amygdala and thalamus. Answer: C Rationale: The limbic system is a region of the brain that regulates emotional behaviour, basic motivational urges, memory, and physiological functions. It comprises three structures: the hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus. 56) Which structure within the limbic system is implicated in the acquisition of memories? A) hypothalamus. B) reticular formation C) hippocampus. D) thalamus. Answer: C Rationale: The hippocampus is the largest of the limbic structures. With damage to this area of the brain, we would likely still be able to learn new tasks but we would not be able to remember that we had learned them! 57) G.R. is a patient who has suffered damage to his brain. G.R. believes that it is still 1970, the time when his brain injury occurred, and that the last Olympic games were held in Mexico in 1968, even though it is now the 21st century. Which brain area has most likely been damaged? A) thalamus. B) hypothalamus. C) hippocampus. D) medulla. Answer: C Rationale: Damage to the hippocampus does not allow G.R. to put new information into long-term memory. He can remember the distant past, before the damage to his brain occurred. He could likely learn new tasks, but knowledge of learning them would not be stored in his longterm memory. 58) Serge was a mean-spirited person until his brain injury. Which part of Serge's brain most likely sustained the injury? A) amygdala. B) thalamus. C) hippocampus. D) hypothalamus. Answer: A Rationale: The amygdala plays a role in emotional control. It is the part of the limbic system that controls emotion, aggression, and the formation of emotional memory. It plays a critical role in formation and retrieval of emotional memories and predicts the intensity of them. 59) Following a brain injury, a patient experiences significant weight gain and unusual body temerature fluctuations. Which brain structure has most likely been affected? A) amygdala. B) thalamus. C) hypothalamus. D) hippocampus. Answer: C Rationale: The hypothalamus is involved in the regulation of motivated behaviours such as eating. It maintains the body's internal equilibrium or homeostasis. When the body's energy reserves are low, the hypothalamus stimulates the organism to find food. Dysfunction of the hypothalamus might affect both motivated eating and homeostasis. 60) Which concept is most similar to that of a thermostat? A) evolution. B) determinism. C) homeostasis. D) the action potential. Answer: C Rationale: Homeostasis is the maintenance of internal body equilibrium. When the body is low on energy, the hypothalamus stimulates the organism to find food. When the body's temperature drops, the hypothalamus causes blood vessel constriction or tiny involuntary movements (shivering) and motivates us to get warmer. 61) Which brain structure occupies two-thirds of the brain’s total mass and regulates higher thinking and emotional functions? A) cerebrum. B) limbic system. C) corpus callosum. D) cerebral cortex. Answer: A Rationale: The cerebrum dwarfs the rest of the brain and is divided into two hemispheres by the corpus callosum. The outer surface of the cerebrum is the cerebral cortex. 62) Which brain structure allows the two cerebral hemisphees to communicate with one another? A) the 10th cranial nerve B) the thalamus C) the central sulcus D) the corpus callosum Answer: D Rationale: The cerebrum is divided into two halves, or hemispheres. The hemispheres can communicate with each other through the corpus callosum, a band of nerve fibres. 63) What is the primary function of the occipital lobes? A) Processing visual information B) Interpreting pain sensations C) Mediating emotional responses D) Understanding the written word Answer: A Rationale: The frontal lobe is involved in motor control and cognitive activities, while the occipital lobe at the back of the brain is where visual information is processed. 64) While going for the ball in the soccer league championship, a player slips and hits the back of his head so hard that he "sees stars." Which lobe of the brain was stimulated when he hit his head? A) frontal B) temporal C) parietal D) occipital Answer: D Rationale: This lobe is the final destination for visual information. 65) Justine is engaged in everyday activities. Which statement most accurately describes what is occurring in her brain? A) Each activity is processed by a specific lobe. B) For most activities, the frontal lobes are engaged first. C) Although the brain operates as a whole, some functions are associated with specific areas. D) The brain operates as a unit, and no single area is necessary for any specific function. Answer: C Rationale: The structures of the brain work as a smoothly integrated unit. While each lobe has specific functions that may be interrupted or lost if the lobe is damaged, each lobe also contributes to the action of the brain in its entirety by interacting and cooperating with all other lobes. 66) Where is the motor cortex of the brain located? A) below the lateral fissure, in the temporal lobes. B) above the lateral fissure, in the occipital lobes. C) in front of the central sulcus, in the frontal lobes. D) just behind the central sulcus, in the left and right parietal lobes. Answer: C Rationale: The motor cortex is located just in front of the central sulcus in the frontal lobes. 67) Where is the somatosensory cortex of the brain located? A) just in front of the central sulcus. B) just behind the central sulcus. C) just above the lateral fissure. D) just below the lateral fissure. Answer: B Rationale: The somatosensory cortex is located just behind the central sulcus in the parietal lobe. 68) Nadine has suffered a brain injury and can no longer feel anything on her body although she can still move. Where did the brain damage most likely occur? A) motor cortex B) somatosensory cortex C) cerebellum D) amygdala Answer: B Rationale: The somatosensory cortex processes information about temperature, touch, body position, and pain. 69) If Greg suffered an injury to a portion of his somatosensory cortex, what areas of his body are most likely to be affected by chance alone? A) feet and legs B) torso and shoulders C) neck and eyes D) tongue and thumb Answer: D Rationale: The somatosensory cortex is represented as a homunculus, where different regions of the body are given amounts of cortical space that are proportional to the sensitivity of the body region. Parts of the body like the tongue and thumb occupy a greater proportion of cortical space than the other body regions mentioned. 70) Brian suffered an injury to his left somatosensory cortex. What symptoms would he most likely exhibit? A) He would not be able to move the left side of his body. B) He would not be able to move the right side of his body. C) He would not be able to feel any sensations on the right side of his body. D) He would not be able to feel any sensations on the left side of his body. Answer: C Rationale: The left somatosensory cortex processes sensory information from the right side of the body. 71) Which statement about the auditory cortex is accurate? A) the auditory cortex is located in the two parietal lobes. B) the auditory cortex in each hemisphere receives information from the contralateral ear only. C) the auditory cortex of the left hemisphere receives information from both ears. D) different areas of the auditory cortex are involved in the production of language. Answer: C Rationale: The auditory cortex in each hemisphere receives information from both ears. 72) What is the function of the majority of the cerebral cortex? A) To facilitate the process of language. B) To process sensory information. C) To moderate physical movement. D) To integrate a range of information. Answer: D Rationale: The association cortex allows us to combine information from various sensory modalities to plan appropriate responses to stimuli in the environment. 73) A diagram in a scientific journal illustrates the relationship between the motor cortex and different parts of the body. Which statement about this diagram is most likely true? A) the shoulders are missing from the drawing. B) only the areas related to the eyes, ears and nose are larger than normal. C) the feet are huge, compared to the rest of the body. D) the areas related to the fingers, thumb, and speech muscles are quite large. Answer: D Rationale: The greater brain area coincides with the importance of different body parts in terms of manipulating objects, using tools, eating, and talking. 74) After having suffered a stroke, a patient is unable to plan daily activities and finds it difficult to decide what to do for that day. Where is the brain damage most likely located? A) In the visual cortex. B) In the association cortex. C) In the primary motor area. D) In the primary somatosensory area. Answer: B Rationale: Processes such as planning and decision making are believed to occur in the association cortex, a part of the cerebral cortex. 75) A patient has no difficulty understanding what is said, but finds it impossible to produce words. Which brain structure has most likely been damaged? A) Broca's area. B) Wernicke's area. C) the angular gyrus. D) the visual cortex. Answer: A Rationale: Broca's area is a part of the frontal lobe that helps produce language. Language is impaired when this area is damaged or not functioning correctly. 76) Where in the brain is speech production typically located in most right-handed individuals? A) Broca’s area in the left hemisphere B) Broca’s area in the right hemisphere C) Wernicke’s area in the left hemisphere D) Wernicke’s area in the right hemisphere Answer: A Rationale: As Broca followed up his original discover of damage to an area in the left hemisphere leading to language production impairments, he found similar damage in other patients with similar symptoms. 77) What conclusion can be drawn about a "split-brain" patient? A) The corpus callosum has been severed. B) The patient will be unable to eat or walk unassisted. C) The patient will demonstrate personality changes. D) The person has been born without an anterior commissure. Answer: A Rationale: The goal of this surgery is to prevent violent electrical activity that accompanies epileptic seizures from crossing between the hemispheres of the brain. 78) A split-brain patient was shown a picture of a pig in the right visual field and a picture of a tree in the left visual field. When asked to report what was seen, how would the patient most likely respond? A) The patient would be able to provide the label for pig but not for tree. B) The patient would be able to provide the label for tree but not for pig. C) The patient would point to a pig with her right hand. D) The patient would point to a tree with her left hand. Answer: A Rationale: Visual stimuli in the right visual field travel to the left hemisphere, where language resides. As such any stimulus in the right visual field can be given a verbal label. Visual stimuli in the left visual field travel to the right hemisphere, which usually does not process language. As such, a verbal label could not be provided for those stimuli. 79) Bernard is a split-brain patient undergoing some tests. He is shown a picture of a duck in his left visual field. Which of the following would Bernard likely be able to do? A) Pick up the object with his right hand. B) Pick up the object with his left hand. C) Label the object. D) Tell a story related to the object. Answer: B Rationale: If the let visual field sees the picture, then this information is being sent to the right hemisphere. The right hemisphere controls the left hand, so he would be able to pick up the object with his left hand. 80) Which statement is true regarding the differences between the left and right hemispheres? A) The left hemisphere processes negative emotions while the right hemisphere processes positive emotions. B) The right hemisphere processes language while the left hemisphere processes spatial information. C) The right hemisphere tends to be more holistic while the left hemisphere is more analytical. D) The right hemisphere is larger in women whereas the left hemisphere is larger in men. Answer: C Rationale: The two hemispheres differ with respect to their style for processing information. The left hemisphere tends to be more analytical while the right hemisphere is more holistic. 81) A male and a female were in a car accident wherein they sustained identical brain injuries to the left hemisphere. Which prediction about language deficits would be the most sound? A) The male would retain more language skills than the female. B) The male would lose his ability to produce language but would retain his ability to understand language. C) The female would retain more language skills than the male. D) The female would lose her ability to produce language but would retain her ability to understand language. Answer: C Rationale: Studies have shown that females may use both hemispheres in various language tasks, while men are more confined to the left hemisphere. As such, an injury to the left hemisphere of a woman may not be as devastating since her right hemisphere has some language function. 82) Research on split-brain patients has suggested that, when compared to the right hemisphere, the left hemisphere has a particular style. Which term best describes this style? A) global. B) holistic. C) analytical. D) insightful. Answer: C Rationale: The left hemisphere processes information in a more analytical way than the right hemisphere. The right hemisphere is more holistic. 83) Which brain structure serves as a relay station between the endocrine system and the central nervous system? A) thalamus B) hippocampus C) hypothalamus D) pineal gland Answer: C Rationale: Specialized cells in the hypothalamus receive messages from other brain cells, commanding the hypothalamus to release a number of hormones to the pituitary gland. In turn the pituitary's hormones stimulate or inhibit the release of other hormones. 84) Which gland is responsible for modulating calcium levels? A) thyroid B) parathyroid C) anterior pituitary D) posterior pituitary Answer: B Rationale: The parathyroid gland is responsible for calcium levels. 85) Which gland is often referred to as the 'master gland' ? A) adrenal. B) thyroid. C) pituitary. D) pineal. Answer: C Rationale: The pituitary gland produces ten different kinds of hormones that influence the secretions of all the other endocrine glands, as well as a hormone that influences growth. 86) A young man has begun to look and sound more physically mature, with the beginnings of a beard and a deeper voice. Which gland is responsible for these changes? A) pineal. B) pancreas. C) pituitary. D) parathyroid. Answer: C Rationale: In males, secretions of the pituitary gland activate the testes to secrete testosterone which stimulates the production of sperm and secondary sexual characteristics such as facial hair, voice change and physical maturation. 87) Which gland releases testosterone in males? A) pituitary. B) prostate. C) testes. D) thyroid. Answer: C Rationale: The pituitary gland activate the testes to release testosterone, which stimulates the production of sperm. 88) A magazine article describes a new drug which blocks the production of a hormone, preventing the release of ova and resulting in infertility in women. Which hormone is most likely being blocked? A) estrogen. B) oxytocin. C) melatonin. D) noradrenalin. Answer: A Rationale: Estrogen production is stimulated by the pituitary gland. Estrogen is essential for the chain reaction that triggers the release of ova from the ovaries making a woman fertile. 89) The production of new brain cells from naturally occurring stem cells occurs in the brains of adult mammals. Which term best reflects this process? A) plasticity. B) transformation. C) neurogenesis. D) reuptake. Answer: C Rationale: Neurogenesis is the production of new brain cells from naturally occurring stem cells, and this has been reported to occur in the brain of adult mammals. 90) Which statement about neurogenesis is accurate? A) The adult brain is capable of neurogenesis. B) Neurogenesis increases with age. C) Neurogenesis is ongoing until puberty. D) Neurogenesis occurs primarily during REM sleep. Answer: A Rationale: Recent work has shown neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus. 91) What did Rosenzweig and colleagues discover about rats that lived in enriched environments? A) They were more aggressive. B) They were more inclined to groom one another. C) They had heavier and thicker cortices. D) They were physically healthier and weighed more. Answer: C Rationale: Rosenzweig and colleagues found that rats raised in enriched environments had heavier and thicker cortices than rats living in impoverished environments. 92) Which application of Mark Rosenzweig's research findings on rats raised in impoverished environments would be most appropriate? A) Provide adults with an environment that has less unnecessary stimulation. B) Provide children, but not adults with an environment that is full of stimulation. C) Provide an enriched environment even after childhood. D) Provide a stimulating environment to strengthen the functioning of the hypothalamus. Answer: C Rationale: Researchers have now determined that enriched environments not only affect the weight and thickness of young animals but continue to have this effect with adult animals. 93) How can research findings on brain plasticity be applied? A) In providing patients with hope for recovery following brain injury. B) In promoting the positive effects of electrical brain stimulation. C) In promoting the benefits of estrogen replacement therapy in post-menopausal women. D) In the management of symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. Answer: A Rationale: A good deal of clinical evidence suggests that the brain is sometimes able to heal itself following injury. 94) According to the research of Barha and Galea (2009), what would happen to the brain of a virgin rat that was exposed to a stressful situation? A) There would be a decrease in the number of neurons. B) There would be an increase in the number of neurons. C) There would be no change in the number of neurons. D) The speed of neural transmission would decrease. Answer: A Rationale: Barha and Galea (2009) found that rats with prior sexual experience showed an increase in cell numbers following exposure to a stressful situation, whereas virgin rats showed a decrease in cell numbers in the stressful situation. 95) What would the brain scan of a professional violinist most likely reveal? A) an increase in the representation of fingers on the left hand compared to the right hand. B) an increase in the representation of the fingers on both hands. C) an overall increase in size of the left somatosensory cortex D) a generalized increase in limbic system functioning. Answer: A Rationale: Elbert and colleagues (1995) found more cortical space devoted to the fingers of the left hand of violinists compared to the right hand and compared to the left hand of non-violin players. 96) Descartes proposed the radical idea that the human body is an “animal machine”. A) True B) False Answer: True Rationale: Descartes indeed proposed the concept of the human body as an "animal machine" in his philosophical works, suggesting that it operates mechanically without consciousness or a soul guiding its actions. 97) Terminal buttons are branched fibres of neurons that receive incoming signals. A) True B) False Answer: False Rationale: Terminal buttons, also known as axon terminals, are not structures that receive incoming signals but rather release neurotransmitters to communicate with neighboring neurons or target cells. 98) Peggy steps on a bee. The pain from her foot would travel to her brain via the motor neurons. A) True B) False Answer: False Rationale: Pain signals do not travel via motor neurons but rather through sensory neurons, which transmit information from the site of stimulus (in this case, Peggy's foot) to the brain for processing. 99) Neural signals are picked up by the dendrites, sent to the soma, down the axon, and finally reach the terminal buttons. A) True B) False Answer: True Rationale: This sequence accurately describes the flow of neural signals within a neuron. Signals are received by the dendrites, integrated at the soma (cell body), propagated down the axon, and then transmitted to other neurons or target cells via the terminal buttons. 100) Interneurons are one class of neurons. A) True B) False Answer: True Rationale: Interneurons are indeed one class of neurons, serving as connectors between sensory and motor neurons within the central nervous system. They integrate and interpret signals, facilitating communication between different parts of the nervous system. 101) An inflow of sodium causes a nerve cell to become depolarized. A) True B) False Answer: True Rationale: Depolarization of a nerve cell occurs when sodium ions enter the cell, leading to a shift in the cell's membrane potential towards a less negative charge, which is the initial phase of generating an action potential. 102) The all-or-none law states that the size of the action potential is unaffected by increases in the intensity of stimulation beyond the threshold level. A) True B) False Answer: True Rationale: According to the all-or-none law, once the threshold potential is reached, an action potential will occur at full strength, regardless of the intensity of the stimulus that triggered it. If the threshold is not reached, no action potential will occur. 103) During the absolute refractory period, further stimulation, no matter how intense, cannot cause another action potential to be generated. A) True B) False Answer: True Rationale: The absolute refractory period is a period during which a neuron is incapable of generating another action potential, regardless of the strength of the stimulus applied. This is due to the inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels and the inability of the neuron to respond to further depolarization. 104) GABA is the most common excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. A) True B) False Answer: False Rationale: GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is actually the most common inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. It works by reducing the excitability of neurons, thus inhibiting neural signaling. 105) Broca's area of the brain is most closely associated with emotional behavior. A) True B) False Answer: False Rationale: Broca's area, located in the frontal lobe of the brain, is primarily associated with speech production and language comprehension, not emotional behavior. Damage to this area can result in expressive aphasia, where individuals have difficulty speaking fluently. Emotional behavior is more closely associated with areas such as the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex. 106) A patient is given a radioactive substance that eventually travels to the brain and allows for the production of detailed pictures of activity in the living brain. This individual has been given an MRI scan. A) True B) False Answer: False Rationale: The description matches a PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan, not an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan. PET scans use radioactive tracers to measure brain activity, while MRI scans use magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the brain's structure. 107) The peripheral nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord, and cranial nerves that connect the body's sensory receptors to the central nervous system. A) True B) False Answer: False Rationale: The peripheral nervous system (PNS) consists of nerves and ganglia outside the brain and spinal cord. It includes sensory and motor neurons that connect the central nervous system (CNS) to the rest of the body, but the brain and spinal cord are part of the CNS, not the PNS. 108) The somatic nervous system is a subdivision of the peripheral nervous that regulates the actions of the body's skeletal muscles. A) True B) False Answer: True Rationale: The somatic nervous system is indeed a subdivision of the peripheral nervous system responsible for voluntary control of skeletal muscles and the reception of external stimuli. It plays a crucial role in motor control and sensory perception. 109) The procedure known as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) should only be used in life-threatening situations, as it produces small but irreversible brain damage. A) True B) False Answer: False Rationale: rTMS is a non-invasive procedure used primarily in the treatment of various psychiatric and neurological disorders, such as depression and chronic pain. It does not produce irreversible brain damage, but its effects are temporary and reversible. 110) The medulla and pons are two structures found within the cerebellum of the brain. A) True B) False Answer: False Rationale: The medulla oblongata and the pons are structures found in the brainstem, not the cerebellum. They play vital roles in functions such as breathing, heart rate regulation, and sleep. The cerebellum is a separate structure located behind the brainstem, involved in motor control and coordination. 111) The amygdala is the part of the limbic system that controls emotion, aggression, and the formation of emotional memory. A) True B) False Answer: True Rationale: The amygdala, located within the limbic system of the brain, is indeed involved in processing emotions, particularly fear and aggression, as well as the formation and storage of emotional memories. 112) One of the functions of the hypothalamus is to maintain the body's homeostasis. A) True B) False Answer: True Rationale: The hypothalamus plays a critical role in regulating various bodily functions to maintain homeostasis, including temperature regulation, thirst, hunger, sleep-wake cycles, and hormone secretion through its control over the pituitary gland. 113) The parietal lobe is located at the front of the head and is the final destination for visual information. A) True B) False Answer: False Rationale: The parietal lobe is located near the top and back of the head, not at the front. It is primarily involved in processing sensory information, including touch, pressure, temperature, and spatial orientation. The occipital lobe, located at the back of the head, is the primary destination for visual information. 114) The size of a particular region of the body is directly related to the amount of space in the cerebral cortex devoted to that region. For example, the arms and legs occupy nearly one hundred times the space devoted to the fingers and hand. A) True B) False Answer: False Rationale: The concept described here is known as cortical magnification, where certain body parts are represented disproportionately larger in the somatosensory cortex compared to others. However, the ratio is not as extreme as suggested in the statement. In reality, the fingers and hands have a larger representation in the somatosensory cortex compared to other body parts due to their high sensitivity and dexterity. 115) In males, the testes secrete testosterone, which stimulates production of sperm and may increase aggression and sexual desire. A) True B) False Answer: True Rationale: Testosterone, primarily produced in the testes, is a key male sex hormone that regulates various aspects of male reproductive physiology, including the production of sperm. It also influences secondary sexual characteristics, such as muscle mass, body hair distribution, and libido (sexual desire), and can affect behaviors such as aggression. 116) The ________ are the branched fibres of neurons that receive incoming signals. Answer: dendrites Rationale: Dendrites are specialized structures of neurons that extend from the cell body and receive signals from other neurons or sensory receptors. These signals are typically transmitted across synapses and dendrites play a crucial role in integrating and processing these incoming signals. 117) You’re playing fetch with your dog. Every time you throw the ball, your brain is sending signals to your ________. Answer: motor neurons Rationale: Motor neurons are nerve cells responsible for transmitting signals from the brain or spinal cord to muscles or glands, resulting in specific movements or responses. In this scenario, motor neurons are involved in coordinating the muscular actions required to throw the ball during the game of fetch. 118) ________ have multiple functions, some of which include cleaning up cellular junk, forming an insulating cover around axons, and preventing toxic substances in the blood from reaching the brain. Answer: Glial cells Rationale: Glial cells, often referred to as glia, are non-neuronal cells in the nervous system that provide support and protection to neurons. They have various functions, including removing dead neurons and cellular debris, forming the myelin sheath around axons to facilitate efficient transmission of nerve impulses, and maintaining the chemical environment of the brain by removing toxins or excess neurotransmitters. 119) The gap between one neuron and another is called a ________. Answer: synapse Rationale: A synapse is a specialized junction between two neurons, where signals are transmitted from one neuron (the presynaptic neuron) to another (the postsynaptic neuron) or to a target cell such as a muscle cell or gland. Neurotransmitters released from the presynaptic neuron cross the synaptic gap and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, initiating a response. 120) Due to its precision and clarity, researchers use a brain imaging technique known as ________. It combines benefits of both MRI and PET scans by detecting changes in the flow of blood to cells in the brain. Answer: functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) Rationale: Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a neuroimaging technique that measures changes in blood flow and oxygenation levels in the brain in response to neural activity. By detecting these changes, fMRI can map brain activity with high spatial resolution, providing valuable insights into the functional organization of the brain. Its ability to non-invasively measure brain activity has made fMRI a widely used tool in cognitive neuroscience and clinical research. 121) The autonomic nervous system has two divisions. The ________ subdivision deals with emergency response and the mobilization of energy, and the ________ subdivision monitors the routine operation of the body's internal functions and conserves and restores body energy. Answer: sympathetic : parasympathetic Rationale: The sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for the "fight or flight" response, activating bodily systems to deal with stress or emergencies by increasing heart rate, dilating pupils, and releasing adrenaline. On the other hand, the parasympathetic division is responsible for the "rest and digest" response, promoting relaxation and conservation of energy by slowing heart rate, constricting pupils, and stimulating digestion. 122) The ________ is the part of the limbic system that is involved in the acquisition of explicit memories. Answer: hippocampus Rationale: The hippocampus is a seahorse-shaped structure located within the medial temporal lobe of the brain and is primarily associated with memory formation and consolidation. It plays a crucial role in the acquisition of explicit or declarative memories, which are memories of facts and events that can be consciously recalled. 123) The two hemispheres of the brain are connected by a thick mass of nerve fibers collectively referred to as the ________. Answer: corpus callosum Rationale: The corpus callosum is a broad band of nerve fibers located beneath the cerebral cortex that connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain. It facilitates communication and coordination between the two hemispheres, allowing them to work together in processing information and coordinating complex behaviors. 124) The ________ system manufactures and secretes chemical messengers called hormones into the bloodstream. Answer: endocrine Rationale: The endocrine system is a network of glands throughout the body that produces and secretes hormones into the bloodstream. These hormones act as chemical messengers, regulating various physiological processes such as metabolism, growth and development, reproduction, and response to stress. 125) The ________ gland is often called the "master gland." Answer: pituitary Rationale: The pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain just below the hypothalamus, is often referred to as the "master gland" because it controls the function of several other endocrine glands in the body. It secretes a variety of hormones that regulate growth, metabolism, reproduction, and other essential functions of the body. 126) Diagram a neuron, label its parts, and describe how it works. In your description, be sure to provide a brief explanation of the resting potential and the action potential. Answer: Include soma, dendrites, axon, terminal buttons, synapse, neurotransmitters, electrochemical action, and resting and action potentials. Glia and myelin sheath are also suggested. 127) Explain how information flows from neuron to neuron. How does information transmission in the nervous system differ from the information transmission that takes place in the endocrine system? Answer: Outline synaptic transmission and how neurotransmitters are released from the presynaptic neuron and influence the postsynaptic neuron. The endocrine system is a network of glands whose hormones are transmitted throughout the body in the bloodstream. The endocrine and nervous systems form complex communication systems in the body. 128) Describe and discuss four major neurotransmitters and their effects. Discuss how neurotransmitters are released from the neuron and the importance of neural transmission. Answer: Include discussion of four of the following: acetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, glutamate, GABA, endorphins. Discuss how these neurochemical messengers are released from the terminal buttons of the axon into the synapse and taken up by the receiving neuron. 129) Neuroscientists have developed a variety of techniques for studying the workings of the brain and the relationship between the brain and behaviour. Describe these methods along with the pros and cons of each. Why are these new imaging techniques so important to understanding the functions of the brain as they relate to behaviour? Answer: Neuroscientists want to understand the brain at many levels, from visible structures to the properties of nerve cells. Researchers have developed a number of ways to produce lesions in order to study functioning of the brain. Give examples. Include discussion of PET scans, MRI, EEG, fMRI, and repetitive transcranial stimulation. 130) Draw a diagram of the organization of the nervous system, including the divisions and subdivisions. Give a brief description of the function of each of the parts of your diagram. What is the overall significance of having two major divisions of the nervous system? Answer: Include central nervous system and peripheral nervous system, with autonomic and somatic, sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Briefly define each. The CNS is vitally important, but it would be isolated from the outside world without the actions of the PNS. 131) What are the four lobes of the brain? What is the primary function of each lobe, and where are they located? Answer: Parietal for touch and pain, top back of brain. Frontal lobe involved in motor control and cognitive activities, top front of brain. Occipital lobe involved in visual functions, back of brain. Temporal lobe at sides of brain and responsible for hearing. 132) What is a split brain procedure and why would it be done? How does having a split brain impact patients in their daily lives? What do tests in the lab with split brain patients reveal? Answer: Split brain patients have their corpus callosum severed to treat severe epilepsy. It doesn’t impact them in their daily lives, but in the lab, when information is sent to only one hemisphere, patients have trouble giving verbal reports of anything that only reaches the right hemisphere (whether through visual input or tactile). 133) What is the endocrine system, and how is it different from neurotransmitters in our brain? What is the master gland, and what does it influence? Answer: Endocrine system is a network of glands that manufacture and secrete hormones into the bloodstream. They travel greater distances and less specific targets than neurotransmitters. The pituitary gland is called the master gland and it influences growth and the secretion of sex hormones. 1) A long structure leaving the cell body that action potentials travel along is called the __________. A) cell membrane B) dendrite C) axon D) myelin sheath Answer: C Rationale: The axon is the elongated structure of a neuron responsible for conducting electrical impulses away from the cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands. It's the primary pathway for transmitting action potentials, making it the correct answer. 2) Neurons in the brain that carry messages from one neuron to another and do most of the work of the nervous system are called __________. A) afferent neurons B) active neurons C) efferent neurons D) interneurons Answer: D Rationale: Interneurons are primarily responsible for integrating signals from sensory neurons and transmitting signals to motor neurons, enabling communication between different parts of the nervous system. They perform the majority of the processing within the nervous system, hence the correct choice. 3) Neuroscientists study __________. A) human mental and physical growth from the prenatal period through childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age B) the biological basis for human behaviour C) the differences among individuals in such traits as anxiety, sociability, self-esteem, the need for achievement, and aggressiveness D) how people influence one another Answer: B Rationale: Neuroscientists focus on understanding the biological mechanisms underlying human behavior, cognition, and mental processes. This includes studying brain structures, neural pathways, neurotransmitters, and their roles in behavior, making option B the most appropriate choice. 4) The short fibers that extend from the neurons, allowing them to receive messages from other neurons, are A) axons B) dendrites C) nerve bundles D) synapses Answer: B Rationale: Dendrites are the branching extensions of neurons that receive signals from other neurons and transmit them to the cell body. They play a crucial role in integrating incoming information, making option B the correct choice. 5) A young man reads in a letter that he has just won $1000 in a province-wide lottery and he literally jumps for joy. Which neurons are sending messages from his brain to his legs, ordering them to jump? A) sensory neurons B) motor neurons C) interaction neurons D) association neurons Answer: B Rationale: Motor neurons carry signals from the central nervous system to muscles or glands, causing them to contract or react. In this scenario, the neurons responsible for triggering the man's leg muscles to jump are motor neurons, making option B the correct choice. 6) When the electrical charge inside a neuron is negative in relation to the outside, the neuron is said to be in a state of: A) equilibrium. B) shock. C) polarization. D) depolarization. Answer: C Rationale: Polarization refers to the resting state of a neuron when the inside of the cell is negatively charged compared to the outside. This state is crucial for maintaining the neuron's readiness to transmit signals, making option C the correct choice. 7) The period in which the neuron begins to pump sodium ions out of the cell and can fire only if the incoming message is extremely powerful is called the: A) absolute refractory period. B) relative refractory period. C) secondary refractory period. D) recovery period. Answer: B Rationale: The relative refractory period is the phase following the absolute refractory period during which the neuron's membrane potential is returning to its resting state. It can fire again, but only with a significantly stronger stimulus compared to its normal firing threshold, making option B the correct choice. 8) Which of the following neurotransmitters is known for its role in schizophrenia and Parkinson’s disease? A) acetylcholine B) dopamine C) serotonin D) norepinephrine Answer: B Rationale: Dopamine is implicated in various neurological and psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease. Dysregulation of dopamine levels or receptors is associated with the symptoms of these conditions, making option B the correct choice. 9) Endorphins: A) are found where neurons meet skeletal muscles. B) are less powerful than enkephalins. C) reduce pain messages in the brain. D) are radically different in function from neurotransmitters. Answer: C Rationale: Endorphins are neurotransmitters that are released in response to stress or pain and act to reduce the perception of pain. They bind to opioid receptors in the brain, inhibiting pain signals, which aligns with option C. 10) The part of the neuron that carries outgoing messages either to another neuron or to a muscle or gland is the: A) myelin sheath. B) axon. C) dendrite. D) cell body. Answer: B Rationale: The axon is the elongated projection of a neuron responsible for transmitting electrical impulses away from the cell body toward other neurons, muscles, or glands. It carries outgoing messages, making option B the correct choice. 11) The cell body is enclosed by the: A) axon. B) dendrite. C) cell membrane. D) myelin sheath. Answer: C Rationale: The cell membrane forms the outer boundary of the cell body, enclosing its contents and regulating the passage of substances in and out of the neuron. 12) Which of the following is true of neural impulses in a single neuron? A) The neuron may fire during the absolute refractory period. B) The strength of a neural impulse increases as the strength of the incoming message gets stronger. C) The strength of a neural impulse decreases as the strength of the incoming message gets stronger. D) The strength of a neural impulse is the same each time the neuron fires. Answer: D Rationale: The strength of a neural impulse, or action potential, is typically consistent each time the neuron fires, regardless of the strength of the incoming message. This is due to the all-ornothing nature of action potentials. 13) The three parts of every neuron are: A) myelin; glia; cell body. B) dendrite; cell body; axon. C) glia; dendrite; axon. D) myelin; cell body; dendrite. Answer: B Rationale: Every neuron consists of dendrites (receiving input), a cell body (containing the nucleus and other organelles), and an axon (transmitting output). 14) The small gap between adjacent neurons is the: A) glia. B) myelin sheath. C) synaptic cleft. D) terminal. Answer: C Rationale: The synaptic cleft is the narrow gap between the terminal of one neuron and the dendrites or cell body of another neuron, where neurotransmitters are released to transmit signals. 15) The neural impulse travelling down the axon is _______; it gets across the synapse by _______. A) electrical; remaining electrical but changing from positively charged to negatively charged B) electrical; remaining electrical but changing from negatively charged to positively charged C) electrical; being changed into a chemical message D) chemical; being changed into an electrical message Answer: C Rationale: The neural impulse traveling down the axon is an electrical signal known as an action potential. It gets across the synapse by releasing neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers that carry the signal to the next neuron. 16) Neurons are: A) cells in the brain that are believed to help clean and feed brain cells. B) cells that send and receive information. C) bundles of nerves. D) chemical transmitters found in the hypothalamus. Answer: B Rationale: Neurons are specialized cells that process and transmit information through electrical and chemical signals. They are the basic units of the nervous system responsible for sending and receiving messages. 17) Axons: A) receive/detect neural impulses. B) carry messages away from a cell body. C) secrete chemicals to lubricate the cell body. D) are found in the cell body. Answer: B Rationale: Axons are the elongated projections of neurons that carry electrical impulses away from the cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands. 18) The myelin sheath: A) is a fatty substance protecting the dendrites. B) helps to speed up neural messages within the cell. C) is found in all neurons. D) protects the cell’s vesicles. Answer: B Rationale: The myelin sheath is a fatty substance that wraps around the axon of some neurons, providing insulation and speeding up the transmission of neural impulses. 19) The basic message-carrying cells of the nervous system are labelled: A) dendrites. B) neurons. C) nerves. D) ganglia. Answer: B Rationale: Neurons are the basic units of the nervous system responsible for transmitting messages through electrical and chemical signals. 20) What kinds of neurons are connected to receptor cells in the skin, muscles, and joints? A) peripheral neurons B) interneurons C) sensory neurons D) motor neurons Answer: C Rationale: Sensory neurons, also known as afferent neurons, are connected to receptor cells in the skin, muscles, and joints, and they transmit sensory information from these areas to the central nervous system. 21) A nerve impulse from one neuron affects the activity of a neighboring neuron at a point of interaction called the: A) corpuscle. B) synapse. C) transmission cleft. D) neuronal junction. Answer: B Rationale: The point of interaction between two neurons where the transmission of signals occurs is known as the synapse. Neurotransmitters are released from the presynaptic neuron into the synaptic cleft, where they bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, thereby transmitting the signal. 22) Assume that you are testing a split-brain human subject whose language center is in his left hemisphere. If you place a house key into his left hand, he will: A) not be able to later select the object he was holding from a group of various objects. B) not be able to tell you what object he is presently holding. C) immediately be able to tell you what he is holding. D) be able to tell you what he is presently holding if allowed to think about it for several seconds. Answer: B Rationale: In split-brain subjects, where the corpus callosum connecting the two hemispheres is severed, information presented to one hemisphere may not be accessible to the other. Since the language center is usually located in the left hemisphere, information presented to the right hemisphere (such as placing an object in the left hand) may not be verbally accessible to the subject. 23) Specialized cells in the brain that send and receive information are called: A) limbic cells. B) neurons. C) ganglia D) gonads. Answer: B Rationale: Neurons are specialized cells in the nervous system responsible for transmitting and receiving information through electrical and chemical signals. 24) Our brain contains nerves and __________. A) neurons B) synapses C) ganglia D) all of the above Answer: D Rationale: The brain contains neurons, synapses (connections between neurons), and ganglia (clusters of neuron cell bodies), making option D the correct choice. 25) Our brain contains __________. A) neurons B) synapses C) ganglia D) all of the above Answer: D Rationale: The brain contains neurons, synapses, and ganglia, which are all integral components of the nervous system, making option D the correct choice. 26) Axons: A) may be up to 400 meters long. B) carry messages away from a cell body. C) are primarily responsible for the hypothalamic functions of regulation and motivation of sexual functions. D) are contained within the cell nucleus. Answer: B Rationale: Axons are the elongated projections of neurons that carry electrical impulses away from the cell body to other neurons, muscles, or glands, making option B the correct choice. 27) Dendrites: A) may be up to 400 meters long. B) carry messages to cell bodies. C) are primarily responsible for the hypothalamic functions of regulation and motivation of sexual functions. D) are contained within the cell nucleus. Answer: B Rationale: Dendrites are the branched projections of neurons that receive signals from other neurons and transmit them toward the cell body, making option B the correct choice. 28) The myelin sheath: A) is a special substance protecting the dendrites. B) helps to speed up transmission of neural messages. C) is responsible for polarization. D) all of the above Answer: B Rationale: The myelin sheath is a fatty substance that surrounds the axons of some neurons, serving to insulate and speed up the transmission of neural impulses, making option B the correct choice. 29) Neural messages travel faster on axons that: A) are polarized. B) are not exposed to acetylcholine (ACh). C) are located in the hypothalamus. D) have a myelin sheath. Answer: D Rationale: Axons with a myelin sheath conduct neural impulses more rapidly than those without, as the myelin sheath insulates the axon and allows for saltatory conduction, making option D the correct choice. 30) Dr. Chapin has just finished a delicate brain operation. He turns to a group of interns and says, “She probably lost about 1000 ___________, but since she still has over 100 billion left, she should recover nicely.” Dr. Chapin was most likely referring to: A) parts of the brain. B) neurons. C) pituitary glands. D) speech and language areas. Answer: B Rationale: Dr. Chapin is likely referring to neurons, as they are the cells primarily affected during brain operations. Given the vast number of neurons in the brain, losing a relatively small number would not severely impact brain function. Therefore, option B is the correct choice. 31) A synapse is most important in: A) separating the medulla from the hindbrain. B) regulating the parasympathetic nervous system. C) the process of transmitting messages between neurons. D) connecting the basal ganglia. Answer: C Rationale: The primary function of a synapse is to facilitate the transmission of signals from one neuron to another. It acts as a junction where neurotransmitters are released from the presynaptic neuron, travel across the synaptic cleft, and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, enabling communication between neurons. 32) The smallest unit in the nervous system is the _________. A) dendrite B) neuron C) axon D) myelin sheath Answer: B Rationale: The neuron is the fundamental unit of the nervous system responsible for transmitting and processing information. It consists of various components, including the cell body, dendrites, axon, and synaptic terminals. 33) The cell that underlies the activity of the entire nervous system is the _________. A) transmitter cell B) amoeba C) neuron D) carcinoma Answer: C Rationale: Neurons are the primary cells of the nervous system responsible for transmitting electrical and chemical signals. They underlie the functioning of the entire nervous system, enabling communication between different parts of the body. 34) There are approximately _________ neurons in the brain of an average human being. A) 100 thousand B) 100 million C) 100 billion D) 100 trillion Answer: C Rationale: The human brain contains an estimated 100 billion neurons, which form complex networks responsible for various cognitive and physiological functions. 35) The short fibers that extend from the neuron, allowing it to receive messages from other neurons, are __________. A) axons B) dendrites C) nerve bundles D) cell membranes Answer: B Rationale: Dendrites are the short, branched extensions of neurons that receive signals from other neurons and transmit them to the cell body. They play a crucial role in integrating incoming information. 36) The part of the neuron that carries outgoing messages either to another neuron or to a muscle or gland is the _________. A) myelin sheath B) axon C) dendrite D) cell body Answer: B Rationale: The axon is the long, slender projection of a neuron that conducts electrical impulses away from the cell body toward other neurons, muscles, or glands, thereby carrying outgoing messages. 37) The purpose of the myelin sheath is to _________. A) provide a place for respiration and metabolism to occur B) carry messages from the spinal cord to the brain C) insulate the neuron so it can act more efficiently D) receive messages from outside the neuron and carry them to the cell nucleus Answer: C Rationale: The myelin sheath is a fatty substance that surrounds the axon of some neurons, providing insulation and speeding up the transmission of neural impulses by allowing for saltatory conduction. 38) The tiny space between the axon terminal and the dendrites of another neuron is called the __________. A) synaptic vesicle B) synaptic knob C) synaptic cleft or gap D) synapse Answer: C Rationale: The synaptic cleft, or synaptic gap, is the small space between the axon terminal of one neuron and the dendrites or cell body of another neuron. Neurotransmitters are released into this space during synaptic transmission. 39) The entire area composed of the axon terminal of one neuron, the synaptic cleft, and the dendrite or cell body of the next neuron is called the _________. A) synaptic vesicle B) synaptic knob C) synaptic space D) synapse Answer: D Rationale: The synapse refers to the entire structure encompassing the presynaptic neuron's axon terminal, the synaptic cleft, and the postsynaptic neuron's dendrites or cell body. It is the site of communication between neurons. 40) Most axon terminals contain a number of tiny oval sacs called __________. A) synaptic vesicles B) synaptic knobs C) neurotransmitters D) receptor sites Answer: A Rationale: Synaptic vesicles are small sacs within the axon terminals of neurons that store and release neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters are essential for transmitting signals across the synapse to the postsynaptic neuron. 41) When a neural impulse reaches the end of an axon, it causes the tiny oval sacs at the end of the axon to release chemicals called __________. A) effectors B) neurotransmitters C) stimulants D) ions Answer: B Rationale: Neurotransmitters are chemicals released from synaptic vesicles located at the axon terminals of neurons. These neurotransmitters diffuse across the synaptic cleft and bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, transmitting the neural signal. 42) Which of the following is NOT true of all neurotransmitters? A) They are chemicals. B) They are stored in synaptic vesicles. C) They are released across the synaptic space. D) They increase the likelihood that the next neuron will fire. Answer: D Rationale: While many neurotransmitters indeed increase the likelihood that the next neuron will fire (excitatory neurotransmitters), not all neurotransmitters have this effect. Some neurotransmitters can inhibit the firing of the postsynaptic neuron (inhibitory neurotransmitters). 43) The myelin sheath _______. A) is a fatty substance protecting the dendrites B) helps to speed up neural messages within the cell C) is found in all neurons D) protects the cell’s vesicles Answer: B Rationale: The primary function of the myelin sheath is to insulate the axon and increase the speed at which neural impulses propagate along the axon. This insulation is crucial for efficient neural communication. 44) An emergency room physician must quickly treat a patient who has been bitten by a black widow spider. The physician knows she must: A) prevent the buildup of acetylcholine in the patient’s nervous system. B) prevent the buildup of catecholamines in the patient’s nervous system. C) prevent the breakdown of catecholamines in the patient’s nervous system. D) prevent the reabsorption of acetylcholine in the patient’s nervous system. Answer: A Rationale: Black widow spider venom contains toxins that lead to excessive release of acetylcholine, causing symptoms such as muscle spasms and paralysis. To counteract these effects, the physician would aim to prevent the buildup of acetylcholine in the patient's nervous system. 45) An emergency room physician must treat a patient who has recently eaten a can of tainted mushrooms. Suspecting botulism, the physician must treat the woman in order to: A) prevent the breakdown of catecholamines in the patient’s nervous system. B) prevent the botulism toxin from blocking the release of acetylcholine. C) prevent the toxin from breaking down the acetylcholine in the patient’s nervous system. D) prevent the botulism from blocking the release of catecholamines. Answer: B Rationale: Botulism toxin inhibits the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis. The physician would aim to prevent the toxin from blocking the release of acetylcholine, allowing normal neuromuscular function to resume. 46) A young woman returns from a day at the beach to find she has developed a severe sunburn. Which neurons are sending the messages from her burned skin to her brain informing her of the pain from the burn? A) sensory neurons B) motor neurons C) synaptic neurons D) association neurons Answer: A Rationale: Sensory neurons, also known as afferent neurons, transmit information from sensory receptors (such as those in the skin) to the central nervous system, including the brain. In this scenario, sensory neurons would be responsible for transmitting pain signals from the burned skin to the brain. 47) Nodes of Ranvier are: A) specialized synapses. B) gaps in the myelin sheath. C) functional divisions of the brain produced by the central, lateral, and longitudinal fissures. D) none of the above Answer: B Rationale: Nodes of Ranvier are gaps in the myelin sheath along the axon of a neuron. They are crucial for the rapid conduction of nerve impulses by allowing for saltatory conduction. 48) The branch of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for quick action in an emergency is the __________ division. A) central B) secondary C) sympathetic D) parasympathetic Answer: C Rationale: The sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for activating the body's fight-or-flight response in response to stress or emergencies, preparing the body for quick action. 49) The nervous system is composed of two major parts: __________. A) the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system B) the afferent nervous system and the efferent nervous system C) the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system D) the brain and the spinal cord Answer: A Rationale: The nervous system is divided into the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system (PNS), which includes all the nerves outside the CNS. 50) The system that relays messages in the form of electrochemical impulses throughout the body is called __________. A) the arousal system B) the nervous system C) the limbic system D) the endocrine system Answer: B Rationale: The nervous system is responsible for transmitting electrochemical impulses throughout the body, allowing for communication between different parts of the body and facilitating various physiological functions. 51) The autonomic nervous system has two divisions: __________. A) central and peripheral B) receptors and effectors C) sympathetic and parasympathetic D) limbic and endocrine Answer: C Rationale: The autonomic nervous system (ANS) consists of two divisions: the sympathetic division, which prepares the body for emergency situations ("fight or flight"), and the parasympathetic division, which promotes relaxation and restoration ("rest and digest"). 52) All nerve cells and fibers that are NOT in the brain or spinal cord make up the __________ nervous system. A) central B) peripheral C) autonomic D) sympathetic Answer: B Rationale: The peripheral nervous system (PNS) includes all nerve cells and fibers that are outside the brain and spinal cord. It connects the central nervous system (CNS) to the rest of the body, including sensory and motor nerves. 53) The process of digesting your last snack or meal and the unconscious regulation of your breathing are primarily rooted in the __________ nervous system. A) autonomic B) limbic C) somatic D) secondary Answer: A Rationale: The autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates involuntary bodily functions such as digestion and respiration. It operates without conscious control and consists of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. 54) The ___________ gland produces the hormone that regulates the body’s rate of metabolism. A) pituitary B) adrenal C) thyroid D) parathyroid Answer: C Rationale: The thyroid gland produces the hormone thyroxine, which regulates the body's metabolism. Thyroxine influences various physiological processes, including heart rate, body temperature, and energy expenditure. 55) Estrogen is to _______ as testosterone is to _______. A) gonads; testes B) testes; ovaries C) ovaries; testes D) ovaries; gonads Answer: C Rationale: Estrogen is primarily produced by the ovaries in females, while testosterone is primarily produced by the testes in males. Both hormones play key roles in reproductive function and development. 56) The branch of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for quick action in an emergency is the __________ division. A) central B) secondary C) parasympathetic D) sympathetic Answer: D Rationale: The sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for preparing the body for rapid, intense physical activity in response to stress or emergencies. It triggers the "fight or flight" response. 57) The limbic system is responsible for ___________. A) filtering incoming messages to the brain B) connecting the brain to most of the rest of the body C) fighting disease organisms that attempt to infect the brain D) controlling learning and emotional behavior Answer: D Rationale: The limbic system is a complex network of structures in the brain involved in regulating emotions, memory, and certain aspects of behavior. It plays a crucial role in learning, emotional processing, and motivation. 58) The division of the nervous system that connects the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body is the __________ system. A) peripheral nervous B) endocrine C) central nervous D) secondary nervous Answer: A Rationale: The peripheral nervous system (PNS) connects the central nervous system (CNS), consisting of the brain and spinal cord, to the rest of the body. It includes sensory and motor nerves that transmit information to and from the CNS. 59) Which of the following is NOT a part of the endocrine system? A) thyroid B) pons C) pituitary D) pancreas Answer: B Rationale: The pons is a structure in the brainstem involved in regulating various autonomic functions such as breathing and sleep. It is not a part of the endocrine system, which primarily consists of glands that secrete hormones. 60) The deer waits motionlessly, hidden in the thicket as the band of hunters approaches. As the hunters get closer, their dogs bark, picking up the scent of their prey. In a futile effort to escape, the deer bolts. Which of the following most accurately describes the nervous system of the hunted deer at this point? A) Its sympathetic nerve fibers are more active than its parasympathetic nerve fibers. B) Its parasympathetic nerve fibers are more active than its sympathetic nerve fibers. C) Both its sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve fibers are equally active. D) Neither its sympathetic nor its parasympathetic nerve fibers are aroused. Answer: A Rationale: In response to the perceived threat (hunters approaching), the deer's sympathetic nervous system becomes more active, preparing the body for the "fight or flight" response. This includes increased heart rate, dilation of pupils, and mobilization of energy resources for quick action. 61) It's midnight, and you are alone in your room studying. You hear a loud crash outside your room, and your whole body reacts instantly and furiously. The system that produces these reactions is the ________ system. A) central nervous B) sympathetic nervous C) parasympathetic nervous D) limbic Answer: B Rationale: The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the body's "fight or flight" response to stress or danger. In this scenario, the loud crash triggers the sympathetic nervous system, leading to physiological changes such as increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and heightened alertness. 62) The FIRST division of the nervous system consists of the: A) central and peripheral nervous systems. B) brain and spinal cord. C) somatic and autonomic nervous systems. D) sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Answer: A Rationale: The first division of the nervous system comprises the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system (PNS), which encompasses all nerve fibers outside the CNS. 63) The autonomic and somatic nervous systems are divisions of the _______ system. A) central B) parasympathetic C) peripheral D) sympathetic Answer: C Rationale: The autonomic and somatic nervous systems are both divisions of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary bodily functions, while the somatic nervous system controls voluntary movements and sensory information. 64) The autonomic nervous system is responsible for: A) controlling the skeletal muscles. B) sending sensory input to the brain. C) making choices and decisions. D) the activity of internal organs and glands. Answer: D Rationale: The autonomic nervous system regulates the activity of internal organs and glands, maintaining homeostasis and controlling functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiration. It operates involuntarily and is not under conscious control. 65) The part of the nervous system that allows the brain to regulate digestion, heart rate, and respiration without our conscious attention is the: A) autonomic nervous system. B) central nervous system. C) somatic nervous system. D) spinal cord. Answer: A Rationale: The autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates involuntary bodily functions, including digestion, heart rate, and respiration, without conscious control. It operates automatically to maintain internal balance and respond to changes in the environment. 66) The nervous system called the “fight or flight” system is the _______ system. A) central B) parasympathetic C) somatic D) sympathetic Answer: D Rationale: The sympathetic nervous system is often referred to as the "fight or flight" system because it prepares the body for rapid, intense physical activity in response to stress or danger. It mobilizes energy resources and increases alertness. 67) Calm is to aroused as _______ is to _______. A) parasympathetic; sympathetic B) autonomic; motor C) sympathetic; parasympathetic D) central; peripheral Answer: A Rationale: The parasympathetic nervous system is associated with calming and restoring functions, while the sympathetic nervous system is associated with arousal and the "fight or flight" response. Therefore, calm corresponds to parasympathetic, and aroused corresponds to sympathetic. 68) One evening Betty was walking to the dorm from the gym when she was stopped by two men who demanded her money. Since she was a good athlete, Betty decided to make a run for it. Pretending to open her purse, she suddenly turned and dashed off. Although pursued, Betty outran her assailants. During this incident, which part of Betty’s nervous system was most directly responsible for her successful escape? A) midbrain B) parasympathetic nervous system C) forebrain D) sympathetic nervous system Answer: D Rationale: Betty's successful escape from danger relied on the activation of her sympathetic nervous system, which prepared her body for rapid physical activity and heightened alertness, enabling her to run away from her assailants. 69) The autonomic nervous system is divided into two parts. These are termed the __________ nervous systems. A) ascending and descending B) frontal and temporal C) left and right D) parasympathetic and sympathetic Answer: D Rationale: The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is divided into two parts: the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. These two divisions have opposing effects on physiological functions and work together to maintain internal balance. 70) The parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions make up the: A) motor cortex. B) endocrine system. C) autonomic nervous system. D) neocortex. Answer: C Rationale: The parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions are both part of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which controls involuntary bodily functions. The ANS regulates processes such as heart rate, digestion, and respiration, maintaining homeostasis. 71) The nervous system is composed of two parts: ________. A) the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system B) the afferent nervous system and the efferent nervous system C) the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system D) the brain and the spinal cord Answer: A Rationale: The nervous system is divided into the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system (PNS), which consists of nerves outside the CNS. 72) The central nervous system consists of the __________. A) parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions B) brain and the spinal cord C) muscles and glands D) sense organs and sensory neurons Answer: B Rationale: The central nervous system (CNS) comprises the brain and the spinal cord. It is responsible for processing and integrating information received from the peripheral nervous system (PNS). 73) The two major divisions of the central nervous system are: A) left and right hemispheres. B) the brain and autonomic systems. C) the brain and spinal cord. D) peripheral and autonomic systems. Answer: C Rationale: The central nervous system (CNS) consists of two major divisions: the brain and the spinal cord. These structures work together to process sensory information, coordinate motor responses, and regulate bodily functions. 74) When the sympathetic nervous system assumes control of the involuntary bodily processes during a stressful situation, which of the following changes is likely to occur? A) digestion stops B) less blood is pumped to muscles C) air passages become smaller D) sweat glands are less active Answer: A Rationale: During a stressful situation, the sympathetic nervous system activates the "fight or flight" response, which prioritizes immediate survival needs. One of the responses is the inhibition of digestion to conserve energy for other bodily functions. 75) Calm is to aroused as _______ is to _______. A) parasympathetic; sympathetic B) autonomic; motor C) sympathetic; parasympathetic D) central; peripheral Answer: A Rationale: Calm corresponds to the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and rest, while aroused corresponds to the sympathetic nervous system, which triggers the "fight or flight" response during stressful situations. 76) Which of the following most directly controls bodily reflexes? A) peripheral nervous system B) brain stem C) spinal cord D) hindbrain Answer: C Rationale: The spinal cord is primarily responsible for controlling bodily reflexes. Reflex arcs, which are rapid and involuntary responses to stimuli, are processed directly within the spinal cord without involvement of the brain. 77) Which hemisphere of the cerebral cortex is usually dominant in spatial tasks? A) the front hemisphere B) the rear hemisphere C) the left hemisphere D) the right hemisphere Answer: D Rationale: The right hemisphere of the cerebral cortex is typically dominant in spatial tasks, including spatial reasoning, navigation, and visual-spatial perception. 78) The area in the back of the temporal lobe that is important in our ability to listen and in processing and understanding what others are saying is __________. A) Korsakoff’s area B) Wernicke’s area C) Broca’s area D) Sach’s area Answer: B Rationale: Wernicke's area, located in the posterior part of the left temporal lobe, is involved in language comprehension and understanding speech. Damage to this area can result in receptive aphasia, where individuals have difficulty understanding language. 79) The structure in the hindbrain that controls certain reflexes and coordinates the body’s movements is the __________. A) medulla B) cerebellum C) pons D) reticular formation Answer: B Rationale: The cerebellum, located in the hindbrain, plays a crucial role in coordinating voluntary movements, maintaining posture and balance, and fine-tuning motor skills. It also contributes to certain reflexes and motor learning. 80) The part of the brain that receives sensations of touch, balance, and bodily position and that oversees spatial abilities is the __________. A) occipital lobe B) temporal lobe C) parietal lobe D) frontal lobe Answer: C Rationale: The parietal lobe is responsible for processing sensory information from various parts of the body, including touch, temperature, and pain. It also plays a role in spatial perception, body awareness, and attention to sensory stimuli. 81) The outer surface of the two cerebral hemispheres that regulates most complex behaviour is called the __________. A) cerebellum B) corpus callosum C) cerebral cortex D) substantia nigra Answer: C Rationale: The cerebral cortex is the outer layer of the cerebral hemispheres and is responsible for a wide range of complex behaviors, including sensory perception, voluntary movement, language, memory, and thinking. 82) The part of the brain that helps to process hearing and give meaning to words is the __________. A) occipital lobe B) temporal lobe C) parietal lobe D) frontal lobe Answer: B Rationale: The temporal lobe, particularly the auditory cortex located within it, is responsible for processing auditory information, including sound perception and the comprehension of language. It plays a crucial role in understanding spoken language. 83) The cerebellum __________. A) controls blood pressure B) is involved in emotional behaviour C) coordinates actions so that movements are efficient D) relays messages from the sensory receptors Answer: C Rationale: The cerebellum is primarily responsible for coordinating voluntary movements, maintaining balance, and posture. It ensures that movements are smooth, coordinated, and precise, contributing to motor learning and muscle memory. 84) Which hemisphere of the cerebral cortex is usually dominant in language tasks? A) the front hemisphere B) the rear hemisphere C) the left hemisphere D) the right hemisphere Answer: C Rationale: The left hemisphere of the cerebral cortex is typically dominant in language tasks for most individuals. It is responsible for language production, comprehension, and other aspects of linguistic processing. 85) The part of the brain that interprets visual information is the __________. A) occipital lobe B) temporal lobe C) parietal lobe D) frontal lobe Answer: A Rationale: The occipital lobe, located at the back of the brain, is primarily responsible for processing visual information. It receives signals from the eyes and interprets them to perceive images, shapes, colors, and motion. 86) A young woman recovering from a blow to her head finds she has great difficulty maintaining her balance and coordinating her movements. Injury to which part of her brain is likely to be causing her difficulties? A) cerebellum B) medulla C) cerebral cortex D) thalamus Answer: A Rationale: The cerebellum, located at the back of the brain, is responsible for coordinating voluntary movements, maintaining balance, and posture. Injury to the cerebellum can lead to problems with coordination, balance, and motor control. 87) The part of the brain most people think of when they talk about the brain is the __________. A) cerebral cortex B) pons C) medulla D) cerebellum Answer: A Rationale: The cerebral cortex is often the focus of discussions about the brain because it is associated with higher-order functions such as cognition, perception, memory, and consciousness. 88) The notion that human language production is controlled primarily by the left cerebral cortex was first proposed by __________. A) Broca B) Shaywitz C) Wernicke D) Ebbinghaus Answer: A Rationale: The proposal that language production is primarily controlled by the left hemisphere of the cerebral cortex was first made by French neurosurgeon Paul Broca, based on his observations of patients with language impairments. 89) The part of the hindbrain that largely controls breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure is the ______________. A) cerebral cortex B) pons C) medulla D) cerebellum Answer: C Rationale: The medulla, located in the hindbrain, plays a vital role in regulating essential bodily functions such as breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and involuntary reflexes like swallowing and vomiting. 90) Garfield is having great difficulty controlling his appetite. All he wants to do is eat, and no matter how much he eats he is still hungry. His weight is approaching 181 kilograms (400 pounds) and he still constantly wants to eat. His physician says the problem is due to a disorder in a specific centre of the brain. The brain centre is most likely the __________. A) medulla B) cerebral cortex C) thalamus D) hypothalamus Answer: D Rationale: The hypothalamus, located below the thalamus, plays a crucial role in regulating hunger, thirst, body temperature, and other homeostatic processes. Disorders in the hypothalamus can lead to abnormalities in appetite regulation, such as excessive hunger or loss of appetite. 91) The site of many mental processes that are unique to humans (self-awareness, initiative, planning ability, and goal-directed behaviour) is the __________. A) occipital lobes B) temporal lobes C) parietal lobes D) frontal lobes Answer: D Rationale: The frontal lobes are responsible for higher-order cognitive functions, including executive functions such as planning, decision-making, problem-solving, self-awareness, and goaldirected behavior. They play a crucial role in personality expression and social behavior as well. 92) “Split-brain” patients are patients who have had _________. A) a prefrontal lobotomy B) their cerebellum split in the middle C) their corpus callosum cut D) a fractured skull in which bone fragments penetrated into the brain Answer: C Rationale: "Split-brain" patients are those who have undergone a surgical procedure called corpus callosotomy, which involves cutting the corpus callosum, the bundle of nerve fibers connecting the two hemispheres of the brain. This procedure is typically done to reduce the severity of epileptic seizures that cannot be controlled by medication. 93) Despite its dangers, a young man continues to take cocaine because of the feeling of euphoria it produces for him. This powerful arousal of his nervous system is probably due to cocaine’s ability to: A) inhibit enzymes that break down neurotransmitters. B) increase the release of neurotransmitters. C) block the receptor sites for neurotransmitters. D) prevent neurotransmitters from being reabsorbed into the synaptic vesicles. Answer: D Rationale: Cocaine blocks the reuptake of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin from the synaptic cleft, leading to their prolonged presence and increased stimulation of postsynaptic receptors. This mechanism contributes to the euphoric effects and heightened arousal associated with cocaine use. 94) Eating, drinking, sexual behaviour, temperature control, and sleeping are most strongly influenced by the: A) medulla. B) cerebral cortex. C) thalamus. D) hypothalamus. Answer: D Rationale: The hypothalamus plays a central role in regulating basic physiological functions and behaviors essential for survival, including eating, drinking, sexual behavior, temperature regulation, and sleep-wake cycles. It acts as a control center for maintaining homeostasis in the body. 95) The part of the brain that controls hearing, does some additional processing of visual information, and is probably the site of permanent memory storage is: A) the occipital lobe. B) the temporal lobe. C) the parietal lobe. D) the frontal lobe. Answer: B Rationale: The temporal lobe, located on the sides of the brain, is primarily associated with auditory processing, memory formation, and some aspects of visual processing. It plays a crucial role in long-term memory storage and retrieval. 96) The structure that connects the two hemispheres of the cerebral cortex is the _________. A) corpus callosum B) pineal gland C) pons D) reticular formation Answer: A Rationale: The corpus callosum is a thick bundle of nerve fibers that connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres, allowing communication and coordination between them. It facilitates the integration of sensory, motor, and cognitive functions across the brain. 97) A “split-brain” patient is asked to stare at a spot on a screen. When a picture of an object is shown to the left of the spot, the patient can ___________. A) identify the object verbally and pick it out of a group of hidden objects using her right hand B) identify the object verbally and pick it out of a group of hidden objects using her left hand C) pick the object out of a group of hidden objects using her left hand, but cannot identify it verbally D) pick the object out of a group of hidden objects using her right hand, but cannot identify it verbally Answer: C Rationale: Due to the split brain condition resulting from the severed corpus callosum, when an object is presented to the left visual field (and therefore processed by the right hemisphere), the patient can pick it out with their left hand (controlled by the right hemisphere), but they cannot verbally identify it because language functions are primarily localized in the left hemisphere. 98) The limbic system is most closely connected to the __________. A) hypothalamus B) endocrine system C) frontal lobes D) thalamus Answer: A Rationale: The limbic system, which includes structures like the amygdala, hippocampus, and hypothalamus, is closely connected to the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus plays a crucial role in regulating emotional responses, motivation, and physiological functions associated with the limbic system. 99) The medulla, pons, and thalamus are all part of the: A) limbic system. B) corpus callosum. C) cerebral cortex. D) brain stem. Answer: D Rationale: The medulla, pons, and thalamus are all components of the brain stem, which is located at the base of the brain. The brain stem is responsible for essential life-sustaining functions such as regulating heartbeat, breathing, and consciousness. 100) The brain's “relay station” is the _______. A) hypothalamus B) medulla C) pons D) thalamus Answer: D Rationale: The thalamus acts as a relay station for sensory information, receiving signals from sensory receptors throughout the body and relaying them to the appropriate areas of the cerebral cortex for further processing and interpretation. It plays a crucial role in sensory perception and attention. 101) Which of the following is NOT a function of the hypothalamus? A) regulating eating B) regulating sleeping C) relaying sensory inputs to the higher centres in the brain D) regulating the “restorative” functioning of the autonomic nervous system after an emergency has passed Answer: C Rationale: The hypothalamus is primarily involved in regulating various physiological processes such as eating, sleeping, temperature regulation, and the autonomic nervous system's functioning. It is not directly involved in relaying sensory inputs to higher brain centers, which is a function typically attributed to the thalamus. 102) Which of the following is NOT a function of the hypothalamus? A) maintaining homeostasis B) regulating the output of the pituitary C) controlling the emergency response of the autonomic nervous system D) coordinating smooth muscle movement Answer: D Rationale: The hypothalamus is responsible for maintaining homeostasis, regulating the pituitary gland's hormone secretion, and controlling the autonomic nervous system's emergency response. Coordinating smooth muscle movement is not a primary function of the hypothalamus, but rather of other brain regions such as the cerebellum. 103) A neuroanatomist destroyed a dog’s reticular formation to determine its function. Of the following, which is the most likely result? The dog: A) could no longer hear. B) could no longer see. C) lapsed into a complete and irreversible coma. D) became hyper-alert and no longer slept normally. Answer: C Rationale: The reticular formation is involved in regulating consciousness, arousal, and sleep-wake cycles. Destruction of the reticular formation could lead to a coma-like state due to disruptions in the brain's ability to maintain wakefulness and consciousness. 104) If the limbic system were destroyed, which of the following structures would be damaged? A) cerebellum and corpus callosum B) cerebellum and amygdala C) amygdala and hippocampus D) hippocampus and corpus callosum Answer: C Rationale: The limbic system comprises structures such as the amygdala, hippocampus, and parts of the hypothalamus. Damage to the limbic system would primarily affect emotional processing, memory formation, and certain aspects of motivation and behavior regulation, which are functions associated with the amygdala and hippocampus. 105) The part of our brain that MOST makes us human is the: A) cerebellum. B) cerebral cortex. C) medulla. D) pons. Answer: B Rationale: The cerebral cortex, particularly its highly developed areas in humans, is responsible for advanced cognitive functions such as reasoning, language, problem-solving, and abstract thinking. These abilities are often considered distinctively human characteristics. 106) Which of the following is NOT a lobe of the brain? A) corpus callosum B) frontal C) occipital D) parietal Answer: A Rationale: The corpus callosum is a structure that connects the two cerebral hemispheres and facilitates communication between them. It is not a lobe of the brain but rather a bundle of nerve fibers. 107) The somatosensory cortex is located in the _______ lobe of the brain. A) frontal B) occipital C) parietal D) temporal Answer: C Rationale: The somatosensory cortex, which processes tactile sensations such as touch, pressure, and pain, is located in the parietal lobe of the brain. 108) The motor cortex is located in the _______ lobe of the brain. A) frontal B) occipital C) parietal D) temporal Answer: A Rationale: The motor cortex, which is involved in planning and executing voluntary movements, is located in the frontal lobe of the brain. 109) A victim of a car wreck with head injuries, whose involuntary bodily processes (breathing, heartbeat, etc.) have been disturbed, probably has had damage done to the _______. A) hindbrain B) pons C) medulla D) forebrain Answer: C Rationale: The medulla, located in the hindbrain, plays a crucial role in regulating vital involuntary functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. Damage to the medulla can disrupt these essential physiological processes. 110) Damage to the medulla can seriously impair one’s ability to: A) sing. B) write. C) breathe. D) metabolize food. Answer: C Rationale: The medulla oblongata regulates vital functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. Damage to the medulla can severely impair respiratory functions, leading to difficulties in breathing and potentially life-threatening respiratory problems. 111) Which part of the brain can be thought of as a major switching station that directs incoming information to the correct brain structure? A) midbrain B) thalamus C) cerebellum D) reticular activating system Answer: B Rationale: The thalamus serves as a major relay station in the brain, receiving sensory and motor signals from various parts of the body and directing them to the appropriate areas of the cerebral cortex for further processing. It is often described as a "switching station" because of its role in directing incoming sensory information to the correct brain structures for interpretation and response. Therefore, in this scenario, the thalamus is the correct answer. 112) The motor impulses/commands associated with the muscular coordination and movements necessary for one to write originate in which lobe of the cerebral cortex? A) temporal B) parietal C) occipital D) frontal Answer: D Rationale: Motor impulses and commands for muscular coordination and movements originate primarily in the frontal lobe of the cerebral cortex. The frontal lobe is responsible for motor function, including voluntary movement, making option D the correct answer. 113) A brain tumour’s growth has caused Dick’s vision to suffer. Which lobe of the brain is being affected by the tumour’s growth? A) frontal B) occipital C) parietal D) temporal Answer: B Rationale: The occipital lobe is primarily responsible for processing visual information. Therefore, a tumor affecting vision would likely be located in the occipital lobe, making option B the correct answer. 114) The bundle of nerves that connects the two hemispheres of the brain is called the: A) basal ganglia. B) longitudinal fissure. C) corpus callosum D) somatosensory cortex Answer: C Rationale: The corpus callosum is a thick band of nerve fibers that connects the two cerebral hemispheres and facilitates communication between them. It enables the exchange of information and coordination of activities between the two hemispheres, making option C the correct answer. 115) After removal of a tumour from the LEFT side of her brain, Sharon recovered well. However, some of her former abilities are now limited. Which of the following abilities are most likely affected? A) coordinated walking movements B) solving algebra equations C) assembling puzzles D) recognizing objects that she sees Answer: B Rationale: The left side of the brain is primarily responsible for logical reasoning, mathematical abilities, and language processing. Therefore, the ability to solve algebra equations, which involves logical reasoning and mathematical skills, would most likely be affected by damage to the left hemisphere, making option B the correct choice. 116) The two major divisions of the central nervous system are: A) left and right hemispheres. B) the brain and autonomic system. C) the brain and spinal cord. D) peripheral and autonomic systems. Answer: C Rationale: The central nervous system consists of the brain and the spinal cord. These two structures together form the central processing unit for the nervous system, making option C the correct answer. 117) The brain is part of the: A) nervous system. B) endocrine system. C) thalamic system. D) cranial system. Answer: A Rationale: The brain is a major component of the nervous system, which also includes the spinal cord and peripheral nerves. It plays a central role in processing information, regulating bodily functions, and coordinating responses to stimuli, making option A the correct answer. 118) The brain: A) is an integrated system within itself. B) controls the endocrine system. C) is part of the nervous system. D) all of the above Answer: D Rationale: The brain is indeed an integrated system within itself, responsible for coordinating various functions of the body and mind. It also controls the endocrine system through the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Additionally, as mentioned earlier, the brain is part of the nervous system. Therefore, option D is the correct answer. 119) The human brain: A) weighs about 170 to 200 grams (6 to 7 ounces). B) is composed of several thousand neurons. C) is half nerve tissue and half motor tissue. D) none of the above Answer: D Rationale: None of the statements provided are accurate descriptions of the human brain. The human brain typically weighs around 1.4 kilograms (3 pounds), contains billions of neurons, and is predominantly nerve tissue responsible for processing and transmitting information, making option D the correct answer. 120) Which of the following statements about the brain is FALSE? A) It weighs about 1.4 kilograms (3 pounds). B) It contains billions of neurons. C) It is composed of nerve tissues. D) It can be subdivided on the basis of structure, but not function. Answer: D Rationale: The statement that the brain can be subdivided on the basis of structure, but not function, is false. In fact, the brain can be subdivided both structurally and functionally into various regions and systems, each with distinct roles and responsibilities. Therefore, option D is the correct choice for the false statement. 121) The part of the brain that controls breathing, heartbeat, and posture is the: A) pituitary gland. B) neocortex. C) hypothalamus. D) medulla. Answer: D Rationale: The medulla, located in the brainstem, controls vital functions such as breathing, heartbeat, and posture, making option D the correct answer. 122) If you are shot in the head and there is damage to the medulla, this can seriously impair your ability to: A) sing. B) write. C) breathe. D) urinate. Answer: C Rationale: Damage to the medulla, which regulates involuntary functions such as breathing, can severely impair the ability to breathe properly, making option C the correct answer. 123) The hypothalamus does NOT control: A) bowel movements. B) sweating. C) reactions to pain. D) fine motor coordination. Answer: D Rationale: The hypothalamus is involved in regulating various bodily functions such as temperature regulation, hunger, thirst, and the autonomic nervous system responses, but it is not primarily responsible for fine motor coordination, making option D the correct answer. 124) The corpus callosum: A) is an integral area of the hindbrain. B) is responsible for taste and smell sensations. C) connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres. D) supports the reticular activating system. Answer: C Rationale: The corpus callosum is a bundle of nerve fibers that connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres, facilitating communication between them, making option C the correct answer. 125) The left and right cerebral hemispheres are connected by the: A) occipital lobe. B) pons. C) sylvian fissure. D) corpus callosum. Answer: D Rationale: The corpus callosum is the structure that connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres, allowing them to communicate and share information, making option D the correct answer. 126) The left cerebral hemisphere primarily controls: A) the right side of the body. B) the left side of the body. C) all motor functions. D) spatial reasoning. Answer: A Rationale: The left cerebral hemisphere primarily controls voluntary movements on the right side of the body, along with language processing and logical reasoning, making option A the correct answer. 127) The right cerebral hemisphere primarily controls: A) the right side of the body. B) the left side of the body. C) speech and language. D) a and c Answer: B Rationale: The right cerebral hemisphere primarily controls voluntary movements on the left side of the body, along with spatial awareness, visual imagery, and emotional processing, making option B the correct answer. 128) Individuals who have had their corpus callosum cut are said to have a: A) split brain. B) disintegrating personality. C) cranial refraction. D) migraine headache. Answer: A Rationale: When the corpus callosum is severed (as in split-brain surgery), the two cerebral hemispheres are effectively isolated from each other, leading to the term "split brain," making option A the correct answer. 129) An individual with a “split brain”: A) will most likely die. B) will probably become schizophrenic. C) will probably develop a split personality. D) none of the above Answer: D Rationale: Having a split brain due to corpus callosum severance does not lead to death, schizophrenia, or a split personality. It mainly results in functional independence of the two hemispheres, with some unique cognitive effects, making option D the correct answer. 130) The brain is connected to the rest of the body via the: A) corpus callosum. B) spinal cord. C) limbic system. D) cranial nerve. Answer: B Rationale: The brain is connected to the rest of the body through the spinal cord, which serves as the main pathway for transmitting sensory and motor signals between the brain and peripheral nervous system, making option B the correct answer. 131) The spinal cord: A) connects the brain to the rest of the body. B) is composed of nerve tissue. C) can work independently of the brain. D) all of the above Answer: D Rationale: The spinal cord serves as the main pathway for transmitting sensory and motor signals between the brain and the rest of the body. It is composed of nerve tissue and is capable of some reflexive actions independent of the brain, such as reflex arcs. Therefore, option D is the correct answer. 132) A young woman recovering from a blow to her head finds she has great difficulty maintaining her balance and coordinating her movements. Injury to which part of her brain is likely to be causing her difficulties? A) cerebellum B) medulla C) cerebral cortex D) thalamus Answer: A Rationale: The cerebellum is primarily responsible for coordinating movements, maintaining balance, and fine-tuning motor skills. Damage to the cerebellum can lead to difficulties in balance and coordination, as described in the scenario, making option A the correct answer. 133) The cerebellum __________. A) controls blood pressure B) is involved in emotional behaviour C) coordinates actions so that movements are efficient D) relays messages from the sensory receptors Answer: C Rationale: The cerebellum is primarily involved in coordinating voluntary movements and ensuring that actions are smooth, coordinated, and efficient. It does not control blood pressure, emotional behavior, or relay sensory messages, making option C the correct answer. 134) The structure in the centre of the forebrain that relays sensory information is called the __________. A) medulla B) hypothalamus C) pons D) thalamus Answer: D Rationale: The thalamus is a structure in the center of the forebrain that serves as a relay station for sensory information, directing it to the appropriate areas of the cerebral cortex for further processing, making option D the correct answer. 135) Eating, drinking, sexual behavior, temperature control, and sleeping are strongly influenced by the __________. A) medulla B) cerebral cortex C) thalamus D) hypothalamus Answer: D Rationale: The hypothalamus plays a key role in regulating various physiological processes, including eating, drinking, sexual behavior, temperature control, and sleeping, making option D the correct answer. 136) The part of the brain responsible for emotional behavior and regulating the nervous system in times of stress is the _________. A) medulla B) cerebellum C) thalamus D) hypothalamus Answer: D Rationale: The hypothalamus is involved in regulating emotional behavior and plays a role in activating the body's stress response system, making option D the correct answer. 137) Garcia is having great difficulty controlling his appetite. All he wants to do is eat, and no matter how much he eats, he is still hungry. His weight is approaching 180 kilograms (400 pounds), and he still constantly wants to eat. His physician says the problem is due to a disorder in a specific center of the brain. That brain center is most likely the __________. A) medulla B) cerebral cortex C) thalamus D) hypothalamus Answer: D Rationale: The hypothalamus plays a central role in regulating appetite and hunger, making option D the correct answer. 138) Darlene has just discovered that she made the dean’s list, and she’s in ecstasy—singing and dancing down the corridor. Which area of the brain is directing her behavior? A) hypothalamus B) thalamus C) cerebellum D) midbrain Answer: A Rationale: The hypothalamus is involved in regulating emotional responses, including feelings of joy and ecstasy, making option A the correct answer. 139) The part of the brain that controls hearing, does some additional processing of visual information, and is probably the site of permanent memory storage is __________. A) the occipital lobe B) the temporal lobe C) the parietal lobe D) the frontal lobe Answer: B Rationale: The temporal lobe is responsible for auditory processing, some aspects of visual processing, and is believed to be involved in memory storage, particularly long-term memory, making option B the correct answer. 140) The part of the brain that receives sensations of touch, balance, and bodily position is the __________. A) occipital lobe B) temporal lobe C) parietal lobe D) frontal lobe Answer: C Rationale: The parietal lobe is primarily responsible for processing sensory information, including sensations of touch, pressure, temperature, and information related to balance and bodily position, making option C the correct answer. 141) Corey was in an automobile accident that resulted in an injury to her brain. She now has difficulty maintaining her balance and normal body positions. Her sense of touch has also been injured. The part of her brain most likely injured was her ___________. A) occipital lobe B) temporal lobe C) parietal lobe D) frontal lobe Answer: C Rationale: The parietal lobe is primarily responsible for processing sensory information, including sensations of touch, pressure, and information related to balance and bodily position, making option C the correct answer. 142) Corey was in an automobile accident that resulted in an injury to her brain. She now has difficulty with her hearing and her memory. The part of her brain most likely injured was her __________. A) occipital lobe B) temporal lobe C) parietal lobe D) frontal lobe Answer: B Rationale: The temporal lobe is responsible for auditory processing, including hearing, as well as aspects of memory formation, making option B the correct answer. 143) The structure that connects the two hemispheres of the cerebral cortex is the _________. A) corpus callosum B) pineal gland C) pons D) reticular formation Answer: A Rationale: The corpus callosum is a bundle of nerve fibers that connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres, facilitating communication between them, making option A the correct answer. 144) Which hemisphere of the cerebral cortex is dominant in language tasks? A) front B) rear C) left D) right Answer: C Rationale: The left hemisphere of the cerebral cortex is dominant in language tasks for most individuals, making option C the correct answer. 145) Which hemisphere of the cerebral cortex is dominant in spatial tasks and concept formation? A) front B) rear C) left D) right Answer: D Rationale: The right hemisphere of the cerebral cortex is dominant in spatial tasks, visual-spatial processing, and concept formation, making option D the correct answer. 146) A “split-brain” patient is a patient who has had __________. A) a prefrontal lobotomy B) his/her cerebellum split in the middle C) his/her corpus callosum cut D) a fractured skull in which bone fragments penetrated into the brain Answer: C Rationale: A "split-brain" patient is an individual who has had their corpus callosum surgically severed, typically to alleviate severe epilepsy, making option C the correct answer. 147) The hemisphere of the brain that acts as an interpreter, helping us with sequencing and logic, is the __________. A) front B) rear C) left D) right Answer: D Rationale: The right hemisphere of the brain is often involved in holistic and intuitive thinking, aiding in tasks such as spatial reasoning, pattern recognition, and understanding emotions and context, making option D the correct answer. 148) A victim of a car wreck with head injuries, whose involuntary bodily processes (breathing, heartbeat, etc.) have been disturbed, probably has had damage done to the _______. A) hindbrain B) pons C) medulla D) forebrain Answer: C Rationale: The medulla, located in the hindbrain, is responsible for controlling vital functions such as breathing, heartbeat, and other involuntary bodily processes, making option C the correct answer. 149) A brain tumour’s growth has caused Dick’s vision to suffer. Which lobe of the brain is being affected by the tumour’s growth? A) frontal B) occipital C) parietal D) temporal Answer: B Rationale: The occipital lobe is primarily responsible for processing visual information, so a brain tumor affecting vision is likely located in the occipital lobe, making option B the correct answer. 150) The bundle of nerves that connects the two hemispheres of the brain is called the _______. A) basal ganglia B) longitudinal fissure C) corpus callosum D) somatosensory cortex Answer: C Rationale: The corpus callosum is a thick band of nerve fibers that connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres, facilitating communication between them, making option C the correct answer. 151) Which part of the brain can be thought of as a major switching station that directs incoming information to the correct brain structure? A) midbrain B) thalamus C) cerebellum D) reticular activating system Answer: B Rationale: The thalamus acts as a crucial relay station in the brain, receiving sensory information from various sensory pathways and then directing this information to the appropriate regions of the cerebral cortex for further processing. It functions as a sort of "switching station" because it helps regulate the flow of information to ensure that it reaches the correct brain structures for interpretation and response. Therefore, in this context, the thalamus is the most suitable answer. 152) The brain is connected to the other parts of the nervous system by the ________. A) spinal cord B) corpus callosum C) brain stem D) peripheral nervous system Answer: A Rationale: The brain is connected to the rest of the nervous system via the spinal cord, which serves as the main pathway for transmitting sensory and motor signals between the brain and peripheral nerves, making option A the correct answer. 153) The _______ looks like two wrinkled hemispheres. A) cerebellum B) cerebrum C) forebrain D) all of the above Answer: B Rationale: The cerebrum, also known as the cerebral cortex, is the largest part of the brain and consists of two wrinkled hemispheres, making option B the correct answer. 154) The glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream are called __________. A) lymph glands B) exocrine glands C) hippocampal glands D) endocrine glands Answer: D Rationale: Endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream, which are then transported to target organs or tissues to regulate various bodily functions, making option D the correct answer. 155) Endocrine glands are glands that secrete __________. A) excitatory neurotransmitters B) inhibitory neurotransmitters C) hormones D) enzymes Answer: C Rationale: Endocrine glands secrete hormones, which are chemical messengers that regulate various physiological processes in the body, making option C the correct answer. 156) Chemical substances released by the endocrine glands to help regulate bodily functions are __________. A) enzymes B) neurotransmitters C) antigens D) hormones Answer: D Rationale: Hormones are chemical substances released by the endocrine glands to regulate various bodily functions, making option D the correct answer. 157) The glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream are called _________. A) lymph glands B) exocrine glands C) hippocampal glands D) endocrine glands Answer: D Rationale: Endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream, making option D the correct answer. 158) Jeff is 13 years old and he has recently noticed some remarkable changes in himself. Over the past few months his voice has started to change, growing deeper. He has begun to grow pubic hair, as well as the beginnings of a facial beard. He is also filling out, with his muscles developing rapidly. These changes in Jeff are probably due to the action of the _____________. A) pituitary gland B) thyroid gland C) pineal gland D) adrenal gland Answer: A Rationale: The pituitary gland, often referred to as the "master gland," regulates various physiological processes and plays a key role in puberty and growth, making option A the correct answer. 159) The pituitary gland is controlled by the: A) brain stem. B) hypothalamus. C) reticular formation. D) spinal cord. Answer: B Rationale: The pituitary gland is controlled by the hypothalamus, which produces releasing and inhibiting hormones that regulate the secretion of hormones from the pituitary gland, making option B the correct answer. 160) The thyroid and pituitary glands are parts of the _______ system. A) gonad B) endocrine C) steroid D) lymphatic Answer: B Rationale: Both the thyroid and pituitary glands are components of the endocrine system, which regulates various physiological processes through the secretion of hormones, making option B the correct answer. 161) Hank has been overweight since childhood. He diets frequently and can lose weight but always seems to gain it back, because he is unable to control his eating. Hank may have a problem with his: A) catecholamine level. B) thyroid gland. C) pituitary gland. D) limbic system. Answer: B Rationale: The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism. If there is a dysfunction in the thyroid gland, it can lead to weight management issues, including difficulty in controlling eating habits and fluctuations in weight, making option B the correct answer. 162) The endocrine system is made up of: A) special centres that control our language functions. B) neurons that transmit electrically charged messages. C) glands that release hormones into the bloodstream. D) none of the above Answer: C Rationale: The endocrine system is composed of glands that release hormones directly into the bloodstream, which then travel to target organs or tissues to regulate various physiological processes, making option C the correct answer. 163) The __________ system is made up of glands that release hormones into the bloodstream. A) motor B) endocrine C) limbic D) autonomic Answer: B Rationale: The endocrine system consists of glands that release hormones into the bloodstream to regulate bodily functions, making option B the correct answer. 164) The thyroid and pituitary glands are part of our _________ system. A) motor B) glandular C) limbic D) endocrine Answer: D Rationale: Both the thyroid and pituitary glands are components of the endocrine system, which regulates physiological processes through the secretion of hormones, making option D the correct answer. Test Bank for Psychology and Life Richard J. Gerrig, Philip G. Zimbardo, Serge Desmarais, Tammy Ivanco 9780205037117, 9780205859139