Question 1

Where are neurotransmitters stored until they are released?
A) Terminal buttons
B) Cell bodies
C) Myelin
D) The neural plate

Accepted Answer

Neurotransmitters are stored in vesicles located in the terminal buttons (also known as axon terminals) of neurons until they are released into the synaptic cleft to transmit a signal to another neuron.

Question 2

While viewing a picture of a 3-week-old embryo, Dr. Pecoraro points to something and says, "This flat structure will soon become a tube from which the brain and spinal cord will develop." Dr. Pecoraro is pointing at
A) the neural plate.
B) the corpus callosum.
C) the frontal cortex.
D) an axon.

Accepted Answer

The neural plate is a key embryonic structure that eventually folds to form the neural tube, from which the brain and spinal cord develop. This process is fundamental in the early stages of the central nervous system formation.

Question 3

Which phenomenon is the best argument against the notion that the organization of the brain is predetermined genetically?
A) Synaptic pruning
B) Development of the neural plate
C) The left hemisphere specializing in language processing
D) Brain plasticity

Accepted Answer

Brain plasticity, or neuroplasticity, is the best argument against the notion that the organization of the brain is predetermined genetically because it demonstrates the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life in response to experiences, learning, and injury. This adaptability suggests that the brain's organization is not solely determined by genetics but is also significantly influenced by environmental factors and experiences.

Question 4

The neural plate ultimately forms the
A) brain and spinal cord.
B) spinal cord and the nervous system.
C) nervous system and the skull.
D) skull and the brain.

Accepted Answer

The neural plate is a key embryonic structure that gives rise to the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord.

Question 5

While observing brain activity, Dr. Ogama proclaims, "This brain is definitely experiencing a downsizing in the number of connections between neurons." This indicates that the brain Dr. Ogama is studying is undergoing
A) synaptic pruning.
B) motion parallax.
C) cephalocaudal development.
D) dendritic expansion.

Accepted Answer

Synaptic pruning is the process by which extra neurons and synaptic connections are eliminated in order to increase the efficiency of neuronal transmissions. This matches Dr. Ogama's observation of a reduction in connections between neurons.

Question 6

Whose brain is most likely to have the most synapses?
A) Jerry, who is a newborn
B) Elaine, who is 1 year old
C) Kramer, who is 7 years old
D) George, who is 14 years old

Accepted Answer

A 1-year-old child typically has the most synapses, as synaptic density peaks around this age before pruning occurs.

Question 7

Gina is studying how blood flows through the brain when people listen to different kinds of music. Which sort of research tool is she most likely using in her study?
A) Electroencephalography
B) Positron emission tomography
C) Functional magnetic resonance imaging
D) Synaptic pruning

Accepted Answer

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is commonly used to study brain activity and blood flow, making it suitable for Gina's research on how music affects the brain.

Question 8

Which best describes the impact of myelin on a neuron?
A) It increases the number of dendrites it produces.
B) It helps speed neural transmission.
C) It prevents synaptic pruning.
D) It enhances action in the terminal buttons.

Accepted Answer

Myelin sheaths wrap around the axons of neurons, acting as insulators to speed up the electrical impulses that travel along the neuron, thus facilitating faster neural transmission.

Question 9

Terminal buttons are located on which part of a neuron?
A) The end of the dendrite
B) Cell body
C) Neurotransmitter
D) The end of the axon

Accepted Answer

Terminal buttons are found at the end of the axon. They are responsible for sending signals to other neurons or muscles by releasing neurotransmitters.

Question 10

If Nurse Ratched indicates that the procedure that is about to be performed on infant Ramon involves the use of metal electrodes, you would expect that the procedure is a(n)
A) amniocentesis.
B) functional magnetic resonance imaging.
C) Apgar.
D) electroencephalogram.

Accepted Answer

Electroencephalogram (EEG) involves the use of metal electrodes to measure electrical activity in the brain, which aligns with the description given.

Question 11

During an experiment, you record the brain activity of a child using an EEG. As a result of reading your text, you would predict that the left hemisphere would exhibit the most electrical activity when the child is
A) looking at different faces.
B) listening to someone talk.
C) recognizing that her mother is angry.
D) pushing a toy over her bed.

Accepted Answer

The left hemisphere is primarily involved in language processing, including listening and understanding speech.

Question 12

Your psychology professor asks you to assist her in her experiment. She is studying brain activity by monitoring blood flow to different areas of the brain. This indicates that your professor is most likely using ____ in her study.
A) an electroencephalogram
B) functional magnetic resonance imaging
C) a visual cliff
D) a neural plate

Accepted Answer

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a technique that measures and maps the brain's activity by detecting changes in blood flow, which is what the professor is studying.

Question 13

Transmitter is to receiver as
A) dendrite is to cell body.
B) axon is to dendrite.
C) dendrite is to axon.
D) cell body is to axon.

Accepted Answer

The correct analogy is "transmitter is to receiver as axon is to dendrite." In neural communication, the axon of one neuron transmits signals to the dendrite of another neuron, similar to how a transmitter sends information to a receiver.

Question 14

As a result of surgery, Graeme's left and right cerebral hemispheres are no longer connected. Which part of Graeme's brain was most likely the focus of the surgery?
A) The cerebral cortex
B) The dendrites
C) The frontal cortex
D) The corpus callosum

Accepted Answer

The corpus callosum is the part of the brain that connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres. Surgery that results in these hemispheres no longer being connected likely involved cutting or otherwise disabling the corpus callosum.

Question 15

Prior to birth, all ____ layers of the major brain are formed.
A) 6
B) 60
C) 600
D) 6,000

Accepted Answer

The human brain's major layers, numbering six, are fully formed before birth. These layers are crucial for the brain's structure and function.

Question 16

Each neuron contains many ____ but only one ____.
A) dendrites; terminal button
B) dendrites; cell body
C) terminal buttons; dendrite
D) cell bodies; dendrite

Accepted Answer

Neurons have many dendrites, which receive signals from other neurons, but only one cell body, which contains the nucleus and is essential for the neuron's function.

Question 17

Rory works with people who have suffered brain damage, helping them as they try to use different areas of the brain to perform the functions previously performed by the now-damaged areas. Rory's specialty would be best described as
A) brain plasticity.
B) synaptic pruning.
C) neural plate studies.
D) motor skills.

Accepted Answer

Rory's work involves helping individuals adapt to brain damage by utilizing other parts of the brain to take over functions, which is a process related to brain plasticity. Brain plasticity, or neuroplasticity, refers to the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life, especially in response to learning, experience, or following injury.

Question 18

____ is (are) a fatty substance that surrounds the axon of a neuron.
A) The corpus callosum
B) The neural plate
C) Cones
D) Myelin

Accepted Answer

Myelin is the fatty substance that surrounds the axons of many neurons, providing electrical insulation and increasing the speed at which impulses propagate along the myelinated fiber.

Question 19

Sheila is recovering from a serious stroke that damaged her frontal cortex. Which outcome is most likely?
A) Sheila's left hemisphere will no longer be able to communicate with her right hemisphere.
B) Sheila will have a difficult time breathing and seeing.
C) Sheila's personality will be different.
D) Sheila will have no more axons.

Accepted Answer

The frontal cortex is associated with personality, decision-making, and social behavior. Damage to this area can lead to changes in personality, making option C the most likely outcome.

Question 20

Which item is least associated with the frontal cortex?
A) Sadness
B) Vision
C) Happiness
D) Planning

Accepted Answer

The frontal cortex is primarily associated with higher cognitive functions such as planning, decision-making, and emotional regulation, making vision, which is primarily processed in the occipital lobe, the least associated with the frontal cortex.

Quiz 3: Tools for Exploring the World: Physical, Perceptual, and Motor Development

Where are neurotransmitters stored until they are released?

While viewing a picture of a 3-week-old embryo, Dr. Pecoraro points to something and says, "This flat structure will soon become a tube from which the brain and spinal cord will develop." Dr. Pecoraro is pointing at

Which phenomenon is the best argument against the notion that the organization of the brain is predetermined genetically?

The neural plate ultimately forms the

While observing brain activity, Dr. Ogama proclaims, "This brain is definitely experiencing a downsizing in the number of connections between neurons." This indicates that the brain Dr. Ogama is studying is undergoing

Whose brain is most likely to have the most synapses?

Gina is studying how blood flows through the brain when people listen to different kinds of music. Which sort of research tool is she most likely using in her study?

Which best describes the impact of myelin on a neuron?

Terminal buttons are located on which part of a neuron?

If Nurse Ratched indicates that the procedure that is about to be performed on infant Ramon involves the use of metal electrodes, you would expect that the procedure is a(n)

During an experiment, you record the brain activity of a child using an EEG. As a result of reading your text, you would predict that the left hemisphere would exhibit the most electrical activity when the child is

Your psychology professor asks you to assist her in her experiment. She is studying brain activity by monitoring blood flow to different areas of the brain. This indicates that your professor is most likely using ____ in her study.

Transmitter is to receiver as

As a result of surgery, Graeme's left and right cerebral hemispheres are no longer connected. Which part of Graeme's brain was most likely the focus of the surgery?

Prior to birth, all ____ layers of the major brain are formed.

Each neuron contains many but only one .

Rory works with people who have suffered brain damage, helping them as they try to use different areas of the brain to perform the functions previously performed by the now-damaged areas. Rory's specialty would be best described as

____ is (are) a fatty substance that surrounds the axon of a neuron.

Sheila is recovering from a serious stroke that damaged her frontal cortex. Which outcome is most likely?

Which item is least associated with the frontal cortex?