Question 1

The _____ is referred to as the master gland of the body.

Accepted Answer

The pituitary gland is attached to the hypothalamus. Referred to as the master gland of the body, the pituitary gland regulates the functions of many other endocrine glands.

Question 2

All of the following types of nerve impulses are carried by the axons of afferent neurons except:

Accepted Answer

Nerve axons traveling from the peripheral parts of the body (skin, muscles, visceral organs) to the brain (afferent neurons) carry sensory information (touch, pain, hot and cold sensations). Nerve axons traveling from the brain to the peripheral organs and skeletal muscle (efferent neurons) carry motor impulses that direct organ activity and muscle movement.

Question 3

The two types of medications that are most often used for people who have emotional or behavioral problems are:

Accepted Answer

Specific drug classes, such as the antianxiety agents and some antidepressant drugs, exert a selective inhibitory effect on the limbic system and are useful for the treatment of certain behavioral and emotional disorders.

Question 4

Alex hears a loud explosion outside his window.He immediately stands up and becomes more alert and attentive to his surroundings.Which part of Alex's brain has most likely been activated by the sudden explosion?

Accepted Answer

When excitatory fibers are stimulated by various external stimuli (noise, bright light, or danger), the degree of alertness increases, preparing the body for a situation that requires action. The excitatory fibers are usually referred to as the reticular activating system (RAS).

Question 5

Which of the following substances is most likely to enhance the activity of the reticular formation?

Accepted Answer

Stimulants, such as amphetamines and caffeine, increase the activity of the reticular formation and are usually used or abused to stimulate the central nervous system (CNS) and maintain wakefulness.

Question 6

The axons of efferent neurons transmit nerve impulses carrying information associated with all of the following except:

Accepted Answer

Nerve axons traveling from the brain to the peripheral organs and skeletal muscle (efferent neurons) carry motor impulses that direct organ activity and muscle movement. Nerve axons traveling from the peripheral parts of the body (skin, muscle, visceral organs) to the brain (afferent neurons) carry sensory information (touch, pain, hot and cold sensations, pressure).

Question 7

Pablo switches off the lights in his room before getting into bed.With no noise,light,and other sources of external stimuli,Pablo's body begins to relax,and he becomes less alert to his surroundings.Which of the following functional components of Pablo's brain is activated under these conditions?

Accepted Answer

When there is a lack of external stimuli, the inhibitory fibers become more active, decreasing the activity of the reticular formation, and consequently, the degree of arousal or alertness.

Question 8

Henry,a college student,tends to drink a lot of coffee the night before an exam.The coffee helps him stay more alert and attentive late into the night.The presence of caffeine in the coffee stimulates the _____ of his brain.

Accepted Answer

Stimulants, such as amphetamines and caffeine, increase the activity of the reticular formation and are usually used or abused to stimulate the central nervous system (CNS) and maintain wakefulness.

Question 9

Which of the following is true of the location of the medulla oblongata?

Accepted Answer

The medulla oblongata lies just above the spinal cord.

Question 10

The _____ is a collection of nerve axons that travel to and from the brain.

Accepted Answer

The spinal cord is a collection of nerve axons that travel to and from the brain.

Question 11

James is addicted to playing video games.Every time he passes by the television,he feels an overwhelming urge to switch it on and play on his gaming console.He often gives in to these urges and feels immense pleasure while playing video games.Which part of James's brain is stimulated in such situations?

Accepted Answer

Certain areas of the limbic system are referred to as pleasure or reward centers. Activities that activate these areas provide gratification, and these activities are likely to be repeated. Certain addictions such as smoking and drug abuse affect these centers.

Question 12

Cedric sustained serious head injuries in a motorcycle accident two months ago.Since that day,Cedric has lost the ability to coordinate his body movements and maintain his posture.He often complains of experiencing muscle weakness and tremors.What is the most probable explanation for Cedric's condition?

Accepted Answer

Cedric may have injured his cerebellum in the accident. The major functions of the cerebellum, which is divided into right and left cerebellar hemispheres, are to coordinate body movements and posture and to help maintain body equilibrium. Disorders of the cerebellum can cause disturbances of posture and movement, tremors, muscle weakness, and decreased tendon reflexes.

Question 13

Which part of the brain does a medication for a gambling addiction need to affect?

Accepted Answer

The limbic system is involved with the emotional and behavioral responses of the body associated with reward and punishment, sexual behavior, anger or rage, fear, and anxiety; therefore, the limbic system is important to mental health.

Question 14

Coordinating body movements and posture and helping maintain body equilibrium are the major functions of the _____.

Accepted Answer

The major functions of the cerebellum, which is divided into right and left cerebellar hemispheres, are to coordinate body movements and posture and to help maintain body equilibrium.

Question 15

The pituitary gland is attached to the _____.

Accepted Answer

The pituitary gland is attached to the hypothalamus.

Quiz 11: Introduction to the Central Nervous System