Question 1

What neuronal process does the NMDA receptor facilitate?

Accepted Answer

The NMDA receptor facilitates synaptic plasticity, specifically long-term potentiation (LTP), by allowing calcium influx into the postsynaptic neuron only if a nearby neuron fires at the same time, thus strengthening the connection between the two neurons. Vesicle release, influx of calcium in terminals, and protein kinase are not directly facilitated by the NMDA receptor.

Question 2

The neurotransmitter that is most important for reinforcement learning is:

Accepted Answer

Dopamine is known to be important in reinforcement learning, as it is involved in reward-motivated behavior and the formation of associations between stimuli and rewards. When we experience something pleasurable or rewarding, dopamine release in the brain helps to reinforce the behaviors that led to that outcome, making it more likely that we will repeat those behaviors in the future.

Question 3

The neural structure responsible for releasing dopamine in response to reinforcement is:

Accepted Answer

The nucleus accumbens is a key structure in the reward pathway and is responsible for releasing dopamine in response to reinforcement. It is located in the ventral striatum and is densely innervated by dopamine neurons from the midbrain. The release of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens is associated with pleasurable feelings and is involved in the development of addiction.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

The answer of What treatment might help memory disorders such...

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

The term "engram" refers to the physical or chemical changes in the nervous system that occur when a new memory is formed, representing the storage of learning in the brain. Choices A, C, and D do not accurately represent this concept.

Question 6

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

Sensitization refers to an increase in responsiveness to a stimulus as a result of its repeated presentation or exposure to a strong or novel stimulus. In this case, the first ambulance siren caused a strong and sudden reaction, leading to an increased vigilance and sensitivity towards sirens in the future, which is an example of sensitization.

Question 7

"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

"Cells that fire together wire together" is a common phrase used to describe Hebbian learning, in which synapses between neurons strengthen when they are simultaneously active. This means that neurons that frequently fire together will become more strongly connected over time, leading to increased efficiency in transmitting signals and ultimately learning.

Question 8

Which of the following is an important predictor in determining how potentially addictive a drug may be?

Accepted Answer

The speed and magnitude of the reward effects on the dopamine system is an important predictor in determining how potentially addictive a drug may be. The dopamine system is responsible for the experience of pleasure and reward in the brain, and drugs that activate this system rapidly and intensely are more likely to lead to addiction.

Question 9

What is one potential clinical application of a better understanding of complex conditioning in the dopamine system?

Accepted Answer

A better understanding of complex conditioning in the dopamine system could potentially lead to more effective treatments for addiction, as dopamine is known to play a crucial role in reward processing and reinforcement learning. Understanding the neural mechanisms underlying these processes could help develop new therapeutic interventions targeting addiction.

Question 10

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

The change that came over the hamster is habituation. Habituation is the process by which an animal's response to a stimulus decreases over time as the animal learns that the stimulus is not harmful or significant. In this case, the hamster learned that being handled was not harmful or significant and therefore stopped recoiling in fear.

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 is known to be crucial for fear conditioning and fear-specific learning. Studies have shown that LTP occurs in the amygdala during fear conditioning, suggesting that this mechanism is involved in forming fear memories.

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

The answer of What evidence suggests that the NMDA receptor...

Question 13

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

Fear learning resulting in freezing behaviour is most likely mediated by LTP-related learning in the amygdala. The amygdala is known to play a critical role in fear learning and memory, and studies have shown that LTP in the amygdala is necessary for fear conditioning and the formation of long-term fear memories.

Question 14

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

Accepted Answer

Eric Kandel's study of learning in invertebrate animals provided evidence for neuronal alteration during the behaviours of habituation and sensitization.

Question 15

When an animal hears a new sound or sees a novel object in the distance, its first reaction will be:

Accepted Answer

An orienting response is the first reaction of an animal when it hears a new sound or sees a novel object in the distance. This response involves the animal pausing to attend to the new stimulus and orienting its sensory systems towards it. It is a natural and automatic response that helps animals stay alert to potential threats or opportunities in their environment. A fight or flight response or a defensive reaction would be a more appropriate response to a perceived threat or danger, while an appetitive response would be more relevant to a positive or rewarding stimulus.

Question 16

Why would a dopamine blocker be prescribed to someone with Tourette's syndrome or other involuntary behaviours?

Accepted Answer

Tourette's syndrome and other involuntary behaviours are associated with abnormalities in the dopamine system, particularly in areas of the brain involved in motor control. Dopamine blockers can help regulate motor function and reduce involuntary movements.

Answer: B 
 Dopamine is a key neurotransmitter involved in the reward system of the brain. Involuntary behaviours such as tics may be reinforced by the release of dopamine, leading to a cycle of repetition. By blocking the dopamine system, the rewarding aspect of these behaviours may be reduced, making them less likely to occur.

Answer: C 
 Involuntary behaviours may also be reinforced by negative feedback loops. For example, a person with Tourette's syndrome may experience social stigma or ridicule for their tics, which can lead to further anxiety and tics. Blocking the dopamine system can disrupt these negative feedback loops, making it easier for the person to control their behaviour.

Answer: D 
 Although there is some evidence to suggest that the dopamine system may be involved in speech production, this is not the primary reason why it would be prescribed in Tourette's syndrome or other involuntary behaviours.

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Long-term potentiation (LTP) is a widely accepted cellular basis for learning and memory. However, the statement that LTP permanently activates the synapse is incorrect. In fact, LTP can be reversed or weakened over time, indicating that it is not a permanent change in synaptic strength.

Quiz 6: Learning