Biopsych 1

neurons,synapses, esps, isps, drugs, brain, funtions,chemical events, neurotransmitter.

published on April 19, 2011
1/85

Most neurons have a spontaneous firing rate, a periodic production of action potentials even without synaptic input.

true
false
2/85

Specialized junctions between neurons are called:

nodes of Ranvier.
spines.
dendrites.
synapses.
3/85

The proper order of a reflex arc is:

motor neuron, sensory neuron, interneuron.
sensory neuron, motor neuron, interneuron.
motor neuron, interneuron, sensory neuron.
sensory neuron, interneuron, motor neuron.
4/85

Sherrington deduced that transmission at a synapse must be slower than conduction along an axon. This was based on what kind of evidence?

temporal summation
drugs that increase or inhibit activity at synapses
the speed of reflexive responses
differences in diameter between axons and dendrites
5/85

Sherrington found that repeated stimuli within a brief time have a cumulative effect. He referred to this phenomenon as:

temporal summation
spatial summation
synaptic summation
saltatory summation
6/85

The primary difference between an EPSP and an action potential is that

the magnitude of an action potential decreases as it travels along the membrane.
EPSPs occur without sodium ions entering the cell.
action potentials are always hyperpolarizations.
EPSPs are subthreshold events that decay over time and space.
7/85

Depolarization is to ____ as hyperpolarization is to ____.

excitation; inhibition
inhibition; excitation
increasing the threshold; decreasing the threshold
decreasing the threshold; increasing the threshold
8/85

Spatial summation refers to:

multiple weak stimulations that occur in rapid succession.
a decrease in responsiveness after repeated stimulation.
multiple weak stimulations that occur at the same time.
an increase in the strength of action potentials after repeated stimulation.
9/85

Which of the following patterns of post-synaptic excitation will most likely result in an action potential?

rapid sequence of EPSPs
rapid sequence of IPSPs
large number of simultaneous IPSPs
large number of simultaneous IPSPs and EPSPs
10/85

A normal, healthy animal never contracts the flexor muscles and the extensor muscles of the same leg at the same time. Why not?

When the interneuron sends excitatory messages to one, inhibitory messages go to the other.
They are mechanically connected in a way that makes it impossible for both to contract at the same time.
Such coordination is learned through prenatal movement.
Both muscles are controlled by branches of the same axon.
11/85

Which of the following would most likely result in an IPSP?

potassium ions entering the cell
sodium ions entering the cell
chloride ions entering the cell
chloride ions leaving the cell
12/85

An EPSP is to ____ as an IPSP is to ____.

hyperpolarization; depolarization
depolarization; hyperpolarization
spatial summation; temporal summation
temporal summation; spatial summation
13/85

After one frog's heart has been stimulated, an extract of fluid from that heart can make a second frog's heart beat faster. What conclusion did Otto Loewi draw from these results?

Transmission at synapses is a chemical event.
The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems are antagonistic.
Transmission at heart muscle synapses is electrical.
Hormones facilitate the actions of the nervous system.
14/85

The correct sequence of chemical events at a synapse is:

reuptake, release, transport, synthesis
synthesis, transport, release, reuptake
transport, release, reuptake, synthesis
recycle, reuse, release, return
15/85

In addition to influencing other neurons, ____ dilates the nearby blood vessels, thereby increasing blood flow to that area of the brain.

endorphins
glycine
nitric oxide
Acetylcholine
16/85

What provides the building blocks for synthesizing all neurotransmitters?

substances found in the diet
breakdown products of DNA
breakdown products formed from other transmitters
methane and ethanol
17/85

The catecholamines include:

epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, serotonin.
epinephrine, serotonin, dopamine.
dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine.
epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine.
18/85

If you eat a food containing tryptophan, what can you consume with it to increase its entry to the brain?

phenylalanine
carbohydrates
fats
Thiamine
19/85

Neurotransmitter filled packets in the presynaptic neuron are called?

sacs.
bags.
vesicles.
terminals.
20/85

The release of neurotransmitter from the presynaptic terminal is most dependent on the influx of what ion?

sodium
potassium
chloride
Calcium
21/85

Exocytosis is the process by which neurotransmitters are:

excreted into the synaptic cleft.
synthesized.
destroyed.
secreted into synaptic vesicles.
22/85

What is the synaptic cleft?

the gap between the presynaptic neuron and the postsynaptic neuron
a packet that stores neurotransmitter molecules
a subthreshold depolarization
the storage location for calcium ions
23/85

In general, a single neuron releases ____ neurotransmitter(s), and can respond to ____ neurotransmitter(s).

one; many
dozens of; only one
several; only one
several; many
24/85

What determines the effect that a neurotransmitter has on the postsynaptic neuron?

the speed the action potential traveled down the axon
the number of branches of the presynaptic axon
the receptors on the postsynaptic membrane
the distance between the synapse and the cell body
25/85

What does it mean to say that acetylcholine exerts ionotropic effects?

It opens gates for a particular ion.
It alters the permeability of the presynaptic neuron.
It increases the concentration of ions within the vesicles.
It changes the electrical charge of sodium ions from positive to negative.
26/85

Receptor molecules for neurotransmitters that exert metabotropic effects are proteins that bind to ____ outside the membrane, and attach to ____ inside the membrane.

calcium; potassium
neurotransmitters; nicotine
neurotransmitters; G-proteins
adenosine; nitric oxide
27/85

A hormone is a chemical that is:

secreted by a gland to the outside world.
conveyed by the blood to other organs, whose activity it influences.
capable of activating or inhibiting muscle fibers.
a feedback message from the postsynaptic neuron to the presynaptic neuron.
28/85

The anterior pituitary is composed of ____, and the posterior pituitary is composed of ____.

glandular tissue, neural tissue
neural tissue, glandular tissue
neural tissue, neural tissue
glandular tissue, glandular tissue
29/85

What would be the effect of a drug that inhibits the action of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase?

prolonged action of acetylcholine at its synapses
decreased duration of action of acetylcholine at its synapses
decreased synthesis of acetylcholine by the presynaptic cell
increased synthesis of acetylcholine by the presynaptic cell
30/85

After serotonin or one of the catecholamine transmitters stimulates the postsynaptic receptor, most of the transmitter molecules:

remain on the receptor until other neurotransmitters replace them.
are broken into components while still attached to the postsynaptic cell.
are metabolized by the postsynaptic cell as a source of energy.
are reabsorbed by the presynaptic cell.
31/85

"Transporter" proteins transport neurotransmitters:

back into the presynaptic neuron.
across the synapse to the postsynaptic neuron.
across the synapse back to the presynaptic neuron.
to the appropriate receptor sites.
32/85

COMT and MAO are:

enzymes that convert catecholamines into inactive chemicals.
enzymes that make catecholamines.
neurotransmitters in the same group as serotonin.
the inactive fragments of catecholamines.
33/85

Activation of autoreceptors tends to:

increase further neurotransmitter release.
stimulate GABA release.
increase sodium-potassium pump activity.
decrease further neurotransmitter release.
34/85

A drug that blocks the effects of a neurotransmitter is a(n) ____; a drug that mimics or increases the effects is a(n) ____.

neuromodulator; synergist
agonist; antagonist
depressant; stimulant
antagonist; agonist
35/85

Which effect would be considered to be antagonistic?

blocking the synthesis of neurotransmitters
stimulating the release of neurotransmitters
blocking the reuptake of neurotransmitters
interfering with the breakdown of neurotransmitters
36/85

Which effect would be considered to be agonistic?

blocking the synthesis of neurotransmitters
stimulating the release of neurotransmitters
blocking the postsynaptic receptors
mimicking enzymes that breakdown neurotransmitters
37/85

If a drug binds to a particular receptor, it is said to:

increase the synthesis of the neurotransmitter used at that receptor.
decrease the synthesis of the neurotransmitter used at that receptor.
stimulate breakdown at that receptor.
have an affinity for that type of receptor.
38/85

With respect to drug effects, "efficacy" means the tendency of a drug to:

have inhibitory effects.
have excitatory effects.
attach to a receptor.
activate a receptor.
39/85

If a drug has high affinity and high efficacy, what effect does it have on the postsynaptic neuron?

antagonistic
agonistic
proactive
Destructive
40/85

The brain area most often linked to drug addiction is the:

nucleus accumbens.
whole limbic system.
frontal lobes.
brain stem.
41/85

Most habit-forming drugs activate which type of synapse?

acetylcholine
opiate
GABA
Dopamine
42/85

Why do cocaine and amphetamine produce similar effects?

Both increase the activity of the sodium-potassium pump.
Both increase the presence of dopamine in the synapses.
Both cause a weakening of the blood-brain barrier.
The brain converts both of them into acetylcholine.
43/85

Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is also known as?

ecstasy
crack
angel dust
Ganja
44/85

Opiate drugs bind to receptors in the brain for:

endorphins.
catecholamines.
indolamines.
monoamines.
45/85

A certain drug user experiences intensified sensations and the illusion that time is passing slowly. He also experiences problems with attention and memory. These symptoms are most characteristic of the use of which drug?

LSD
cocaine
nicotine
Marijuana
46/85

Anandamide and 2-AG are believed to be the naturally occurring neurotransmitters that bind to the same receptors as which drug?

heroin
cocaine
alcohol
Marijuana
47/85

LSD and other hallucinogenic drugs resemble which neurotransmitter?

norepinephrine
dopamine
serotonin
Acetylcholine
48/85

What are the two parts of the central nervous system?

autonomic nervous system and somatic nervous system
cerebrum and cerebellum
sympathetic division and parasympathetic division
brain and spinal cord
49/85

Together, the somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system make up the ____ nervous system.

peripheral
central
sympathetic
Dorsal
50/85

When someone tickles you, the tickling sensation will be carried by neurons that are part of the ____ nervous system.

central
parasympathetic
somatic
Autonomic
51/85

An axon in your hand causes contraction of a muscle fiber in your finger as you write. This neuron belongs to which branch of the nervous system?

central
somatic
sympathetic
Parasympathetic
52/85

The basal ganglia are a related cluster of cell bodies in the central nervous system. Technically, the basal ganglia should have been name the basal:

tract.
lamina.
gyrus.
nuclei.
53/85

The cell bodies of sensory neurons that are in clusters of neurons outside the spinal cord are called?

sensory nuclei
sensory clusters
ventral root ganglia
dorsal root ganglia
54/85

According to the Bell-Magendie law:

ventral roots of the spinal cord carry sensory information.
dorsal roots of the spinal cord carry motor information.
ventral and dorsal roots both carry sensory and motor information.
ventral roots carry motor information while dorsal roots carry sensory information.
55/85

In the spinal cord, white matter is comprised mostly of ____, while gray matter is mostly ____.

cell bodies, myelinated axons
dendrites, myelinated axons
myelinated axons, cell bodies
cell bodies, dendrites
56/85

You are walking after dark. A sudden noise frightens you. Your heart pounds, your pulse races, and your breathing rate increases. These responses are due to your:

parasympathetic nervous system.
sympathetic nervous system.
somatic nervous system.
immune system.
57/85

Digestive activity is increased by the activation of which branch of the autonomic nervous system?

the parasympathetic
the sympathetic
both the parasympathetic and sympathetic
neither the parasympathetic nor the sympathetic
58/85

Sympathetic is to ____ as parasympathetic is to ____.

serotonin; dopamine
dopamine; serotonin
acetylcholine; norepinephrine
norepinephrine; acetylcholine
59/85

The hindbrain consists of the:

tectum, tegmentum, and reticular formation.
thalamus and hypothalamus.
spinal cord and cranial nerves.
medulla, pons, and cerebellum.
60/85

Breathing, heart rate, vomiting, salivation, coughing, and sneezing are all controlled by which structure?

medulla
thalamus
cerebellum
Pons
61/85

The raphe system ______ the brain's readiness to respond to stimuli, and sends axons to the ______.

increases; cerebellum
decreases; forebrain
decreases; basal ganglia
increases; forebrain
62/85

Besides problems with balance and coordination, a person with damage to the cerebellum would also likely have problems with:

reflexive changes in heart rate.
shifting attention between auditory and visual stimuli.
amnesia.
rational decision-making.
63/85

Superior colliculus is to _____ as inferior colliculus is to _____.

vision; hearing
taste; smell
vision; touch
touch; hearing
64/85

A group of forebrain structures is important for motivated and emotional behavior. What is the name given to this group of structures?

limbic system
reticular formation
tegmentum
basal ganglia
65/85

One function of the thalamus is to:

relay sensory information to the cerebral cortex.
regulate sleep cycles.
direct the secretions of the hypothalamus.
moderate emotional outbursts.
66/85

Sensory information which is not processed by the thalamus includes:

olfactory information.
visual information.
auditory information.
somatosensory information.
67/85

An impairment of eating, drinking, temperature regulation, or sexual behavior suggests possible damage to which brain structure?

midbrain
hippocampus
hypothalamus
Cerebellum
68/85

Damage to the basal ganglia would most likely result in:

a movement disorder.
problems with visual perception.
problems with auditory perception.
a loss of pain sensation.
69/85

An individual has difficulty remembering certain things after brain damage, but all memories stored before the damage are intact. The brain area most likely damaged is the:

fornix.
hypothalamus.
hippocampus.
nucleus basalis.
70/85

What is contained in the ventricles of the brain?

glia
cell bodies
dendrites and axons
cerebrospinal fluid
71/85

Membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord are called:

CSF.
ventricles.
meninges.
hydrocephali.
72/85

A function of the cerebrospinal fluid is to:

cushion the brain.
hold blood in reserve for emergencies.
maintain the blood-brain barrier.
synthesize neurotransmitters.
73/85

Each hemisphere of the cerebral cortex receives most of its input from the ____ side of the body and controls the muscles on the ____ side.

contralateral; ipsilateral
ipsilateral; contralateral
ipsilateral; ipsilateral
contralateral; contralateral
74/85

The ______ constitutes a higher percentage of the brain in primates than in other species of comparable size.

cerebral cortex.
cerebellum
basal ganglia
thalamus.
75/85

What deficits does a person suffer after damage to the striate cortex in the occipital lobe?

deafness
blindness
loss of touch and other body sensations
loss of fine motor control
76/85

The postcentral gyrus in the parietal lobe is the primary area for which type of sensation?

touch
vision
hearing
Smell
77/85

Someone who suddenly loses the ability to identify objects by feeling them has probably suffered damage to what area of the cerebral cortex?

parietal lobe
temporal lobe
frontal lobe
corpus callosum
78/85

The temporal lobe of the cerebral cortex is the primary target for which kind of sensory information?

somatosensory, including touch
the simplest aspects of vision
gustatory
Auditory
79/85

A tumor in the temporal lobe may give rise to:

flashes of light.
visual hallucinations.
olfactory hallucinations.
prolonged yawning.
80/85

Which lobe contains the primary motor cortex and the prefrontal cortex?

occipital
parietal
temporal
Frontal
81/85

If the prefrontal cortex is damaged, an individual may:

have difficulty remembering where they just put their keys.
sleep 18-22 hours per day.
have impaired vision.
lose memory for faces.
82/85

Which of the following brain imaging techniques does NOT provide a functional measure of brain activity?

MEG
EEG
fMRI
MRI
83/85

An electroencephalograph measures:

action potentials in an individual neuron.
the electrical resistance of hair.
the rate of glucose uptake in active regions of the brain.
the average activity of the cells in a given region of the brain.
84/85

An ablation is:

an area of brain next to a blood vessel.
a brain area that has been removed.
a fluid-filled space in the brain.
an area that has been damaged.
85/85

So far, it appears that the brain feature most strongly correlated with intelligence in humans is the:

volume of the hippocampus.
brain-to-body ratio.
brain weight.
amount of gray matter.