Question 1

"Hebbian learning," or alterations in synaptic connections as a result of learning,has been summed up in the saying: "Cells that fire together,_____."

Accepted Answer

Hebbian learning is based on the idea that synaptic connections between neurons can be strengthened or weakened depending on the timing and frequency of their activation. The saying "cells that fire together, wire together" summarizes this concept, meaning that when two neurons are activated simultaneously, the connection between them becomes stronger. This forms the basis for learning and memory processes in the brain. Therefore, the best choice is C) wire together.

Question 2

Eric Kandel's study of learning in invertebrate animals provided evidence for neuronal alteration during the behaviors of:

Accepted Answer

Eric Kandel's study of learning in invertebrates specifically focused on the behaviors of habituation and sensitization. He provided evidence that changes in synaptic strength between sensory neurons and motor neurons occurred during these behaviors, indicating neuronal alteration in response to learning.

Question 3

The amygdala is an important neural structure in which long-term potentiation (LTP)plays a role in learning.Since the amygdala is part of the limbic system,which of the following is most likely mediated by LTP-related learning in the amygdala?

Accepted Answer

The amygdala is involved in fear conditioning and the formation of fear memories. LTP in the amygdala plays a crucial role in the acquisition and consolidation of fear memory, leading to freezing behavior. Choice B is mediated by the sympathetic nervous system and does not necessarily involve the amygdala. Choice C is mediated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and does not necessarily involve the amygdala. Choice D is mediated by the endogenous opioid system and does not necessarily involve the amygdala.

Question 4

What evidence suggests that the NMDA receptor is responsible for associative learning?

Accepted Answer

The NMDA receptor requires simultaneous presynaptic glutamate release and postsynaptic depolarization, which typically occurs when multiple neurons fire together, a key mechanism in associative learning.

Question 5

Long-term potentiation is defined as the:

Accepted Answer

Long-term potentiation (LTP) is the process by which the strength of synapses between neurons is increased, resulting in improved signal transmission. It involves the strengthening of a synaptic connection by an increase in the number or sensitivity of receptors on the postsynaptic membrane.

Question 6

The key to whether presentations of a stimulus will lead to sensitization or habituation is:

Accepted Answer

Sensitization typically occurs with potentially harmful or aversive stimuli, while habituation often occurs with neutral or non-threatening stimuli. However, the potential for reward can also play a role in whether sensitization or habituation occurs. Therefore, both A and B are factors that can influence whether a stimulus leads to sensitization or habituation.

Question 7

You are driving to school when suddenly an ambulance rushes past you with its sirens blaring,shocking you so much that you fear that you might lose control of your car.A minute later,you hear sirens in the distance and increase your vigilance to be prepared for another emergency vehicle on the road.What change has come over your normal reaction to sirens?

Accepted Answer

The change in the person's reaction to sirens is an example of sensitization. This is because the first exposure to the sirens (when the ambulance passed) increased their sensitivity to the sound, causing them to be more vigilant and alert for future sirens. Habituation refers to the process of becoming less responsive to a repeated stimulus over time, which is not what is happening in this situation. Hebbian learning refers to the process by which neurons in the brain adapt their connections based on repeated stimulation, which is not directly related to this scenario. The fight-or-flight response refers to the physiological reaction of the body to a perceived threat, which is not specifically related to the person's change in reaction to sirens.

Question 8

A term sometimes used to represent the storage of learning by the neural systems of the brain is:

Accepted Answer

The term "engram" is used to represent the storage of learning by the neural systems of the brain. It refers to the physical changes that occur in the brain as a result of learning and experience, and is thought to involve the strengthening and modification of synaptic connections between neurons. Options A, C, and D are not related to the storage of learning in the brain.

Question 9

What treatment might help memory disorders such as Alzheimer's disease in the future by altering neuronal functions?

Accepted Answer

Increasing gene expression for NMDA receptors could enhance synaptic plasticity and memory function, potentially benefiting memory disorders like Alzheimer's.

Question 10

What neuronal process does the NMDA receptor facilitate?

Accepted Answer

The NMDA receptor facilitates long-term potentiation (LTP), which is a process of strengthening synaptic connections between neurons, and is associated with learning and memory.

Question 11

Long-term potentiation (LTP)has also been demonstrated to function outside the hippocampus.What brain structure uses LTP for fear-specific learning?

Accepted Answer

The amygdala uses LTP for fear-specific learning, as it is responsible for processing and storing emotional memories, including fear.

Question 12

Olds and Milner utilized intracranial self-stimulation in rats to investigate:

Accepted Answer

Olds and Milner's experiment was focused on pleasure centers in the brain. Intracranial self-stimulation involves the rat pressing a lever to deliver electrical stimulation to specific areas of their brain, and the researchers found that the rats would continue to self-stimulate those areas, indicating that it produced pleasurable sensations for them.

Question 13

What term is used to describe a decrease in a behavioral response after repeated exposure to nonthreatening stimuli?

Accepted Answer

Habituation is the term used to describe a decrease in a behavioral response after repeated exposure to nonthreatening stimuli.

Question 14

Habituation and sensitization come about because of:

Accepted Answer

Habituation and sensitization occur due to changes in neurotransmitter release in the presynaptic neuron. Habituation is a decrease in response to a repeated stimulus, and sensitization is an increase in response to a repeated stimulus. Both of these phenomena occur due to changes in the amount or pattern of neurotransmitter release from the presynaptic neuron onto the postsynaptic neuron. There is no physical connection that forms between two neurons or growth of additional neurons, so options A and B are incorrect. Changes in neurotransmitter release in the postsynaptic neuron are not known to be involved in habituation or sensitization, so option D is also incorrect.

Question 15

Which of the following reasons does NOT support long-term potentiation (LTP)as a cellular basis for learning?

Accepted Answer

LTP is not a permanent activation of the synapse. While LTP can result in increased efficiency of a synapse, it is not a permanent change and can be reversed over time.

Question 16

The first time you pick up your pet hamster it recoils in fear,but after a week of handling,your hamster is not bothered anymore.What change came over your hamster through the simple act of repetitive handling?

Accepted Answer

Habituation is a type of learning in which an animal or person becomes less responsive to a repeated stimulus over time. In this case, with repeated handling, the hamster became less afraid and eventually no longer reacted fearfully, indicating habituation.

Question 17

What term is used to describe an increase in a behavioral response after exposure to a threatening stimulus?

Accepted Answer

Sensitization is used to describe an increase in a behavioral response after exposure to a threatening stimulus. Habituation refers to a decrease in response to repeated or non-threatening stimuli. Orienting refers to the initial orientation towards a novel stimulus. Aplysia is a type of sea slug commonly used in neurobiological research.

Quiz 6: Learning