Question 1

Neurogenesis is the:
A) creation of new neurons.
B) crossing of the synapse by neurotransmitters.
C) revision of the purpose of existing neurons.
D) result of damage to Wernicke's area.

Accepted Answer

Neurogenesis refers to the process of generating new neurons in the brain, a crucial aspect of brain development and plasticity.

Question 2

The _____ consists of the full set of nerves that connect the brain with all other parts of the body.
A) corpus callosum
B) nervous system
C) endocrine system
D) cerebral cortex

Accepted Answer

The nervous system includes all the nerves in the body, connecting the brain to muscles, organs, and other tissues, facilitating communication between the brain and the rest of the body.

Question 3

Gerrie was in an accident that damaged her visual cortex and left her blind. What type of plasticity would MOST likely happen to help Gerrie recover function?
A) The amount of somatosensory cortex dedicated to her Braille-reading finger would increase.
B) The size of her hippocampus, occipital lobe, and prefrontal cortex would decrease.
C) The amount of somatosensory cortex dedicated to her Braille-reading finger would decrease.
D) The size of her hippocampus, occipital lobe, and prefrontal cortex would increase.

Accepted Answer

The brain demonstrates plasticity, which means it can reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. In Gerrie's case, since she is blind and likely to rely more on touch (e.g., for reading Braille), the somatosensory cortex area dedicated to her Braille-reading finger would likely increase to accommodate the heightened use and sensitivity required for this skill. This is an example of functional plasticity, where the brain adapts to a loss of function (vision) by enhancing another function (touch).

Question 4

The cerebrum is also known as the:
A) forebrain.
B) brainstem.
C) corpus callosum.
D) limbic system.

Accepted Answer

The cerebrum is the largest part of the brain and is often referred to as the forebrain. It encompasses the cerebral cortex and underlying structures such as the thalamus.

Question 5

Your psychology instructor suggests that you first learn the microscopic activity of the brain. Which topic would fall in this category?
A) the role of the amygdala in expressing emotion
B) how the endocrine and nervous systems interact
C) how neurons send and receive information
D) how the hippocampus participates in memory

Accepted Answer

Microscopic activity of the brain involves understanding the fundamental processes at the cellular or molecular level, such as how neurons, the basic building blocks of the nervous system, communicate with each other. This includes the mechanisms of how neurons send and receive information through electrical and chemical signals.

Question 6

A newly discovered life form was found. Unlike humans, this life form has no cells that facilitate communication within its nervous system. It can be assumed that this life form has no:
A) hormones.
B) neurons.
C) corpus callosum.
D) cerebral hemispheres.

Accepted Answer

Neurons are the cells responsible for communication within the nervous system. If the life form has no cells for communication, it likely lacks neurons.

Question 7

_____ is a technique in which magnetic fields are used to make images of brain activity.
A) EEG
B) CT
C) fMRI
D) PET

Accepted Answer

fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is the technique that uses magnetic fields to generate detailed images of brain activity by detecting changes associated with blood flow. This allows researchers to see which areas of the brain are active during various tasks.

Question 8

Which technique would NOT be suited for assessing damaged brain tissue or larger-than-normal spaces in the brain?
A) computed tomography
B) magnetic resonance imaging
C) positron emission tomography
D) electroencephalography

Accepted Answer

Electroencephalography (EEG) measures electrical activity in the brain and is primarily used for diagnosing epilepsy and other disorders affecting brain activity, rather than assessing structural damage or physical abnormalities in the brain tissue.

Question 9

Neurotransmitters must travel across _____ to reach the next neuron.
A) glial cells
B) the synapse
C) receptor sites
D) the soma

Accepted Answer

Neurotransmitters travel across the synapse, the gap between neurons, to reach the next neuron.

Question 10

The main function of the thalamus is to:
A) process sensory information.
B) regulate movement coordination.
C) maintain basic life functions.
D) process motivation and emotion.

Accepted Answer

The thalamus primarily acts as a relay station for sensory information, directing it to the appropriate areas of the brain for processing.

Question 11

Naomi sent an e-mail to Professor Lu to ask a question about the day's lecture. Professor Lu received this information in her e-mail inbox. Professor Lu's reception of the message from Naomi operates MOST similarly to the _____ of a neuron.
A) synaptic vesicles
B) soma
C) dendrites
D) axon terminals

Accepted Answer

Dendrites are the parts of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons, similar to how Professor Lu received the message from Naomi.

Question 12

The thalamus is located _____ of the brain.
A) in the middle
B) at the top and front
C) at the back and bottom
D) at the front and bottom

Accepted Answer

The thalamus is located in the middle of the brain, acting as a relay station for transmitting information between different areas of the brain.

Question 13

Aesha suffered damage to her cerebellum. Aesha is MOST likely to have difficulty with which task?
A) using the correct amount of pressure to write without tearing her paper
B) producing coherent speech in response to a question
C) having enough energy to complete a 30-minute cardio workout
D) being able to sleep continuously through the night

Accepted Answer

The cerebellum plays a crucial role in motor control and coordination, including the ability to regulate force and precision in movements. Damage to the cerebellum can impair fine motor skills, such as applying the correct amount of pressure while writing.

Question 14

_____ is a technique in which activity in various brain structures is illustrated by a radioactive sugar injected into the body.
A) Electroencephalography
B) Computed tomography
C) Magnetic resonance imaging
D) Positron emission tomography

Accepted Answer

Positron emission tomography (PET) is the technique that involves the injection of a radioactive substance to show activity in different parts of the brain, by illustrating where the radioactive sugar is being utilized.

Question 15

After a stroke, Raymond experienced problems with his equilibrium. What part of the brain did Raymond's stroke MOST likely affect?
A) thalamus
B) reticular activating system
C) pons
D) medulla

Accepted Answer

The pons is part of the brainstem that plays a key role in balance and equilibrium, among other functions. Damage to the pons can lead to problems with balance, indicating that Raymond's stroke most likely affected this area.

Question 16

Ginger has gained a lot of weight even though she has been eating well and continues to exercise. Ginger is concerned because in addition to her increased body weight, her blood pressure is increasing. Ginger plans to see her physician because she suspects that her _____ gland is not working as it should.
A) adrenal
B) glia
C) pineal
D) thyroid

Accepted Answer

The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism and energy use in the body. When it's not functioning properly, it can lead to weight gain and changes in blood pressure, among other symptoms. This makes it the most likely suspect in Ginger's case.

Question 17

Regan enjoys running marathons. While running, Regan uses a significant amount of energy. She uses much less energy when not running, but some is required to keep her going throughout the day. Regan's energy level between marathons is MOST similar to the _____ of a neuron.
A) action potential
B) resting potential
C) refractory period
D) threshold

Accepted Answer

The resting potential of a neuron is a state where the neuron is not actively firing but is ready to do so. This state requires less energy compared to when a neuron is actively sending signals (action potential), similar to how Regan uses less energy between marathons compared to during them.

Question 18

Dr. Konitski recently conducted a study in which they examined how the hippocampus of people with memory loss functioned as compared to people without memory loss. Dr. Konitski theorized that the hippocampus is responsible for specific aspects of memory. Dr. Konitski's approach corresponds MOST closely to the concept of:
A) localization.
B) plasticity.
C) reuptake.
D) specialization.

Accepted Answer

Localization refers to the idea that specific parts of the brain are responsible for specific functions or behaviors, which aligns with Dr. Konitski's study focusing on the hippocampus and its role in memory.

Question 19

Schizophrenia is partially caused by an overabundance of dopamine signaling in the brain. Thus, to treat schizophrenia, doctors would MOST likely prescribe a dopamine:
A) efferent.
B) agonist.
C) afferent.
D) antagonist.

Accepted Answer

To treat schizophrenia, which is associated with excessive dopamine signaling, doctors would likely prescribe a dopamine antagonist. Antagonists block or reduce the effect of neurotransmitters, in this case, reducing the overactive dopamine signaling thought to contribute to schizophrenia symptoms.

Question 20

The _____ lobe of the brain is responsible for vision.
A) frontal
B) parietal
C) temporal
D) occipital

Accepted Answer

The occipital lobe of the brain is primarily responsible for vision.

Quiz 2: Brain and Behavior

Neurogenesis is the:

The _____ consists of the full set of nerves that connect the brain with all other parts of the body.

Gerrie was in an accident that damaged her visual cortex and left her blind. What type of plasticity would MOST likely happen to help Gerrie recover function?

The cerebrum is also known as the:

Your psychology instructor suggests that you first learn the microscopic activity of the brain. Which topic would fall in this category?

A newly discovered life form was found. Unlike humans, this life form has no cells that facilitate communication within its nervous system. It can be assumed that this life form has no:

_____ is a technique in which magnetic fields are used to make images of brain activity.

Which technique would NOT be suited for assessing damaged brain tissue or larger-than-normal spaces in the brain?

Neurotransmitters must travel across _____ to reach the next neuron.

The main function of the thalamus is to:

Naomi sent an e-mail to Professor Lu to ask a question about the day's lecture. Professor Lu received this information in her e-mail inbox. Professor Lu's reception of the message from Naomi operates MOST similarly to the _____ of a neuron.

The thalamus is located _____ of the brain.

Aesha suffered damage to her cerebellum. Aesha is MOST likely to have difficulty with which task?

_____ is a technique in which activity in various brain structures is illustrated by a radioactive sugar injected into the body.

After a stroke, Raymond experienced problems with his equilibrium. What part of the brain did Raymond's stroke MOST likely affect?

Regan enjoys running marathons. While running, Regan uses a significant amount of energy. She uses much less energy when not running, but some is required to keep her going throughout the day. Regan's energy level between marathons is MOST similar to the _____ of a neuron.

Schizophrenia is partially caused by an overabundance of dopamine signaling in the brain. Thus, to treat schizophrenia, doctors would MOST likely prescribe a dopamine:

The _____ lobe of the brain is responsible for vision.