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Chapter 2
Behavioral Neuroscience
TOPIC
Topic: Biology
and Behavior
Topic: The
Nervous
System
QUESTION TYPE
Multiple Choice
FACTUAL/DEFINITIONAL
2-1, 2-3, 2-4, 2-6, 2-7, 2-8
Essay
2-183
Multiple Choice
2-10, 2-11, 2-12, 2-13, 2-14, 215, 2-16, 2-18, 2-19, 2-22, 2-23,
2-26, 2-27, 2-28, 2-31, 2-34, 235, 2-36, 2-39
2-184, 2-185
2-17, 2-20, 2-21, 2-24, 2-25, 229, 2-30, 2-32, 2-33, 2-37, 2-38,
2-40
2-41, 2-42, 2-43, 2-44, 2-45, 246, 2-47, 2-48, 2-49, 2-50, 2-51,
2-52, 2-53, 2-54, 2-57, 2-61
2-186
2-55, 2-56, 2-58, 2-59, 2-60
2-62, 2-63, 2-64, 2-65, 2-66, 267, 2-71, 2-72, 2-73, 2-74, 2-75,
2-76, 2-77, 2-78, 2-79, 2-80, 283, 2-84, 2-85, 2-88, 2-89, 2-90,
2-91, 2-92, 2-93, 2-95, 2-96, 298, 2-100, 2-103, 2-105, 2-106,
2-107, 2-108, 2-109
2-187, 2-188, 2-189, 2-190
2-68, 2-69, 2-70, 2-81, 2-82, 286, 2-87, 2-94, 2-97, 2-99, 2-101,
2-102, 2-104, 2-110
Multiple Choice
2-111, 2-112, 2-113, 2-115, 2117, 2-118, 2-121, 2-122, 2-124,
2-126, 2-129, 2-130, 2-133, 2134, 2-137, 2-138, 2-139, 2-141,
2-142, 2-146, 2-149, 2-150, 2154, 2-155, 2-157, 2-161, 2-166,
2-167, 2-168, 2-169, 2-170, 2172, 2-173, 2-180, 2-181
2-114, 2-116, 2-119, 2-120, 2123, 2-125, 2-127, 2-128, 2-131,
2-132, 2-135, 2-136, 2-140, 2143, 2-144, 2-145, 2-147, 2-148,
2-151, 2-152, 2-153, 2-156, 2158, 2-159, 2-160, 2-162, 2-163,
2-164, 2-165, 2-171, 2-174, 2175, 2-176, 2-177, 2-178, 2-179,
2-182
Essay
2-191, 2-192, 2-193, 2-194
Essay
Topic: The
Endocrine
System
Multiple Choice
Essay
Topic:
Neurons:
Basic Cells of
the Nervous
System
Multiple Choice
Essay
Topic: The
Brain: A
Closer Look
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CONCEPTUAL/APPLIED
2-2, 2-5, 2-9
Chapter 2
Behavioral Neuroscience
MULTIPLE CHOICE
2-1. Why is it important to learn about biology?
a) to understand many areas of psychology
b) to realize how unconscious forces control our minds
c) to identify medical problems that might have psychological consequences
d) to understand differences between behaviors influenced by biological conditions and those influenced by
psychological conditions
ANS: a, p. 41, F/D, Difficulty=2
2-2. Which perspective would be most helpful in understanding why human beings have learned better ways to build
shelters that stand up to severe weather?
a) psychodynamic
b) humanistic
c) historical
d) evolutionary
ANS: d, p. 42, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-3. Which of these has been called “the single most important and far-reaching scientific theory that has ever been
formulated”?
a) evolution
b) function of blood
c) discovery of RNA
d) how neurotransmitters work
ANS: a, p. 42, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-4. What did Charles Darwin view as the fundamental principle that drives evolution?
a) parsimony
b) homeostasis
c) social facilitation
d) natural selection
ANS: d, p. 42, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-5. When researchers focus on the role a particular physical structure or behavior plays in helping an organism adapt to its
environment over time, they are taking a(n) ________ perspective.
a) evolutionary
b) natural selectivity
c) psychological
d) Darwinian
ANS: a, p. 42, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-6. What term describes a range of disciplines involved in the study of the nervous system?
a) neuropsychology
b) eclectic physiology
c) behavioral neuroscience
d) multi-discplinary biology
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ANS: c, p. 42, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-7. The area of psychology that is interested in looking for the adaptive benefits of selected human behaviors is known as
________ psychology.
a) ethological
b) anthropological
c) evolutionary
d) archaeological
ANS: c, p. 42, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-8. Which of the following is NOT true about evolution?
a) Evolution works to improve reproductive success.
b) Evolution is a very well-established theory that continues to accumulate supportive data.
c) There is no conscious plan or purpose to evolution.
d) Evolution works to improve a species.
ANS: d, p. 42, F/D, Difficulty=2
2-9. Which example is explained best by the principle of natural selection?
a) Cows have tails.
b) Penguins can’t fly.
c) Eagles have strong talons.
d) Zebras are smaller than horses.
ANS: c, p. 42, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-10. What is a stimulus?
a) a brain response
b) a reflex reaction
c) a feature in the environment that provokes a response
d) a response to an environmental feature
ANS: c, p. 43, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-11. What do we call cells that detect stimuli?
a) neurons
b) receptors
c) effectors
d) sensory tracts
ANS: b, p. 43, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-12. What is the correct order of the interrelated activities below?
a) responding, processing, sensing
b) processing, sensing, responding
c) sensing, responding, processing
d) sensing, processing, responding
ANS: d, p. 43, F/D, Difficulty=2
2-13. Where does the processing (making sense) of most stimuli typically occur?
a) the brain
b) the spinal cord
c) receptor cells
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d) nerve pathways between receptors and the brain
ANS: a, p. 43, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-14. The activities of sensing, processing, and responding are controlled by the
a) brain.
b) spinal cord.
c) endocrine system.
d) autonomic nervous system.
ANS: a, p. 43, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-15. What are the two major components of the nervous system?
a) autonomic and central
b) central and peripheral
c) autonomic and peripheral
d) parasympathetic and sympathetic
ANS: b, p. 43, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-16. The brain and spinal cord are the two components of the ________ nervous system.
a) central
b) somatic
c) peripheral
d) autonomic
ANS: a, p. 43, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-17. Dan is about to put his left hand in the tub to determine if the water is too hot for bathing his son. Which part of his
nervous system will receive input concerning the water temperature?
a) efferent nerves
b) the left hemisphere of the brain
c) the right hemisphere of the brain
d) the autonomic nervous system
ANS: c, p. 43, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-18. Which component of the nervous system makes contact with the environment?
a) somatic
b) autonomic
c) sympathetic
d) parasympathetic
ANS: a, p. 43, F/D, Difficulty=2
2-19. What are the two major components of the peripheral nervous system?
a) autonomic and somatic
b) autonomic and sympathetic
c) parasympathetic and somatic
d) parasympathetic and sympathetic
ANS: a, pp. 43-44, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-20. While walking down the street you step on something, which turns out to be a wallet. What sequence of components
of the nervous system was involved as you realized that you stepped on something and then picked it up?
a) brain, afferent nerves, efferent nerves
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b) afferent nerves, brain, efferent nerves
c) efferent nerves, spinal cord, afferent nerves
d) spinal cord, efferent nerves, afferent nerves
ANS: b, p. 43, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-21. Which part of your nervous system controls the act of writing the answer to this question on an answer sheet?
a) somatic
b) autonomic
c) sympathetic
d) parasympathetic
ANS: a, p. 43, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-22. “A voluntary system” is a description of the ________ nervous system; “an involuntary system” is a description of the
_________ nervous system.
a) autonomic; somatic
b) somatic; autonomic
c) parasympathetic; sympathetic
d) sympathetic; parasympathetic
ANS: b, pp. 43-44, F/D, Difficulty=2
2-23. Which part of the nervous system carries messages to your brain while you are reaching for a book in the school
library?
a) somatic
b) autonomic
c) sympathetic
d) parasympathetic
ANS: a, p. 43, F/D, Difficulty=2
2-24. The clouds are finally gone, and the sun is shining brightly, so you decide to “catch a few rays.” Unfortunately, you
spend too much time in the sun and have a severe sunburn. Which neurons send messages from your burned skin to your
brain to inform you of the pain from the burn?
a) motor neurons
b) sensory neurons
c) synaptic neurons
d) association neurons
ANS: b, p. 43, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-25. You make a wrong turn off the highway and find yourself in an unfamiliar town. You spot a group of men breaking
windows with baseball bats. They see you and begin running toward you. Which part of your nervous system will be
activated at this point?
a) sympathetic component of the central nervous system
b) sympathetic component of the autonomic nervous system
c) parasympathetic component of the somatic nervous system
d) parasympathetic component of the autonomic nervous system
ANS: b, p. 44, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-26. Which component of the nervous system mobilizes the body in times of stress?
a) central
b) somatic
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c) sympathetic
d) parasympathetic
ANS: c, p. 44, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-27. It is lunchtime and you anticipate a feast. Which component of the nervous system will control digestion of this feast?
a) central
b) somatic
c) autonomic
d) peripheral
ANS: c, p. 44, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-28. Which physiological response results from activation of the sympathetic nervous system?
a) slowed breathing
b) constricted pupils
c) stimulated digestion
d) increased heart rate
ANS: d, p. 44, F/D, Difficulty=2
2-29. There is a big exam tomorrow, so you are trying to get in some last-minute preparation. Suddenly, you hear a noise
from the first floor. Your body reacts instantly, and you wonder if a burglar has entered the house. Which part of your
nervous system is responsible for the physiological changes that have occurred?
a) sympathetic
b) central
c) somatic
d) parasympathetic
ANS: a, p. 44, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-30. While you were driving down a busy street, a child ran in front of your car. You slammed on the brakes and managed
to avoid hitting him. Now your heart is racing, you are perspiring, and your stomach is doing “flip-flops.” Which component
of the nervous system controls these reactions?
a) central
b) somatic
c) sympathetic
d) parasympathetic
ANS: c, p. 44, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-31. Which component of the nervous system calms the body after the fight-or-flight response?
a) central
b) somatic
c) sympathetic
d) parasympathetic
ANS: d, p. 46, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-32. You are studying alone in your room late at night when you hear a loud noise downstairs. Your heart beat has
increased significantly and your breathing is deeper. You wonder if a burglar has entered the house so you decide to
investigate. When you cautiously walk downstairs you discover your cat has knocked over a plant stand. Your body begins
to relax and return to normal. Which part of your nervous system is responsible for returning you to a normal state?
a) spinal cord
b) somatic
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c) sympathetic
d) parasympathetic
ANS: d, p. 46, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-33. Which activity involves activation of the parasympathetic system?
a) picking up a ball
b) studying for a final exam
c) resting after a stressful drive home
d) getting “psyched up” to play an important tennis match
ANS: c, p. 46, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-34. Homeostasis refers to
a) a balanced state of functioning.
b) a subdivision of the central nervous system.
c) the central purpose of the autonomic system.
d) the body’s ability to remain active for long periods of time.
ANS: a, p. 46, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-35. What is the function of interneurons in the spinal cord?
a) to coordinate muscular movements
b) to provide support and nourishment for nerve cells
c) to send information to a motor nerve or up the spinal cord
d) to control the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems
ANS: c, p. 46, F/D, Difficulty=2
2-36. A physiological psychologist examines a cross section of the spinal cord. What is he likely to see?
a) a large collection of interneurons that travel directly to the brain
b) an H-shaped center portion consisting of gray matter surrounded by white matter
c) an X-shaped center portion consisting of white matter surrounded by gray matter
d) a large collection of interneurons that travel directly to the senses and motor areas
ANS: b, pp. 46-47, F/D, Difficulty=2
2-37. Why are many reflexes such as the knee-jerk such fast responses?
a) They involve the neurotransmitter GABA rather than dopamine.
b) The message involved does not have to go all the way to the brain.
c) The speed of processing is faster in the frontal lobes than the occipital lobes.
d) The path they follow to the brain is direct and does not involve any neurotransmitters.
ANS: b, p. 46, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-38. Jerking your hand away after touching a very hot pan results from the activity of the
a) brain.
b) thalamus.
c) spinal cord.
d) hypothalamus.
ANS: c, p. 46, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-39. What is the approximate speed of the reaction to a painful stimulus?
a) one second
b) 0.5 second
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c) 10 milliseconds
d) 0.8 milliseconds
ANS: d, p. 46, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-40. Sally stepped on a nail while she was demolishing an old shed. Imagine that we are able to trace all of the nervous
system activity that occurs when she stepped on the nail. What would this image of the nervous system reveal?
a) The pain message reaches the brain and the spinal cord at the same time.
b) The pain message results in a spinal reflex and it is also sent to the brain for further processing.
c) The pain message is sent to the brain where it is processed by higher brain centers that eventually
send a message to pull her foot back.
d) The pain message speeds its way to the spinal cord where it is processed before it is sent to the
cerebellum for additional processing.
ANS: b, p. 46, C/A, Difficulty=3
2-41. Besides the nervous system, what system also plays a major role in shaping and controlling behavior and mental
processes?
a) gustatory
b) endocrine
c) vestibular
d) circulatory
ANS: b, p. 47, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-42. The endocrine system consists of glands that secrete chemicals called
a) hormones.
b) pheromones.
c) neuromodulators.
d) neurotransmitters.
ANS: a, p. 47, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-43. Which pathway is important in determining the amount of melatonin released by the body?
a) retina to hypothalamus to pineal gland
b) hypothalamus to pituitary to thyroid gland
c) skin receptors to pituitary to hypothalamus
d) glucose receptors to hypothalamus to pancreas
ANS: a, p. 48, F/D, Difficulty=2
2-44. Proper levels of insulin enable cells of the body to
a) use blood sugar.
b) activate gonads.
c) send neurotransmitter messages.
d) adapt to different neuronal environments.
ANS: a, p. 48, F/D, Difficulty=2
2-45. Low levels of glucose in the blood are likely to lead to which symptoms?
a) anxiety and perspiration
b) depression and insomnia
c) delusions and hallucinations
d) muscle cramps and narcolepsy
ANS: a, p. 48, F/D, Difficulty=2
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2-46. Which gland is responsible for insulin production?
a) adrenal
b) thyroid
c) thymus
d) pancreas
ANS: d, p. 48, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-47. As night approaches, what occurs in the pineal gland?
a) It reduces insulin levels.
b) It stops producing thyroxine.
c) It increases melatonin levels.
d) It increases levels of androgens.
ANS: c, p, 48, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-48. Which of the following correctly pairs an endocrine gland with a hormone it secretes?
a) pineal - thyroxine
b) pancreas - insulin
c) thyroid - androgens
d) adrenal - somatotropin
ANS: b, pp. 48-49, F/D, Difficulty=2
2-49. Which of these is both an endocrine gland and the center for a variety of behaviors related to survival?
a) pancreas
b) adrenals
c) thyroid
d) hypothalamus
ANS: d, p. 49, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-50. Which of the following correctly pairs an endocrine gland with a hormone it secretes?
a) pituitary - epinephrine
b) thyroid - glucocorticoid
c) pancreas - thyroxine
d) adrenal - norepinephrine
ANS: d, pp. 48-49, F/D, Difficulty=2
2-51. Which endocrine gland controls several other glands?
a) thyroid
b) adrenal
c) thymus
d) pituitary
ANS: d, p. 49, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-52. Which hormone is released to produce the growth spurt that occurs during puberty?
a) oxytocin
b) prolactin
c) vasopressin
d) somatotropin
ANS: d, p. 49, F/D, Difficulty=1
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2-53. Which of these is a hormone that has been linked to learning and memory?
a) ACTH
b) insulin
c) iodine
d) somatotropin
ANS: a, p. 49, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-54. Which endocrine gland controls growth and metabolic rate?
a) adrenal
b) thyroid
c) pancreas
d) pituitary
ANS: b, p. 49, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-55. Eight-year-old John is already six feet tall. Medical specialists are trying to determine the reason for his unusual height
for his age. The team believes the height is the result of overactivity of an endocrine gland. Which gland will be the focus of
their examination?
a) thyroid
b) adrenal
c) pancreas
d) thymus
ANS: a, p. 49, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-56. Tim’s parents have taken him to an endocrinologist to determine if a malfunction of one of his endocrine glands is
responsible for his protruding eyes, irritability, and wild stare. Which endocrine gland will be the focus of diagnostic testing?
a) adrenal
b) thymus
c) thyroid
d) pancreas
ANS: c, p. 49, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-57. The ovaries produce ________; the testes produce ________.
a) estrogens; androgens
b) prolactin; vasopressin
c) vasopressin; prolactin
d) testosterone; estrogens
ANS: a, p. 49, F/D, Difficulty=2
2-58. Rick notices that his voice has been getting deeper and hair is growing on his chest. Which endocrine gland produces
hormones that are responsible for these changes?
a) gonads
b) adrenal
c) pancreas
d) pituitary
ANS: a, p. 49, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-59. Among Al’s symptoms are insomnia, protruding eyes, nervousness, and irritability. His physician suspects an
endocrine problem and focuses attention on which disease?
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a) diabetes
b) Graves’ disease
c) multiple sclerosis
d) Alzheimer’s disease
ANS: b, p. 49, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-60. You are driving down the highway when suddenly an 18-wheeler crosses the double yellow line and narrowly misses
you. You came within inches of being killed, so understandably you are under a great deal of stress. Which gland is releasing
hormones to power your reactions this to situation?
a) pineal
b) thyroid
c) thymus
d) adrenal
ANS: d, p. 49, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-61. Which gland secretes epinephrine and norepinephrine to help power the sympathetic nervous system?
a) adrenal
b) pineal
c) pancreas
d) thyroid
ANS: a, p. 49, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-62. What term is used for the basic cells of the nervous system?
a) neurons
b) glial cells
c) myelin sheaths
d) dendritic spines
ANS: a, p. 51, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-63. Which part of a cell is involved in metabolic regulation?
a) axon
b) soma
c) dendrite
d) cell membrane
ANS: b, p. 52, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-64. Which part of a neuron transmits signals to other neurons and to muscles and glands?
a) soma
b) axon
c) dendrite
d) cell membrane
ANS: b, p. 52, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-65. What are the short, branchlike structures of a neuron that receive signals from receptors or other neurons?
a) axons
b) somas
c) dendrites
d) cell membranes
ANS: c, p. 52, F/D, Difficulty=2
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2-66. Your teacher asks you to describe the sequence of parts of a neuron that the impulse travels during neural
conduction. Which of the following sequences will you offer?
a) dendrites, axon, soma, terminal buttons
b) terminal buttons, axon, soma, dendrites
c) axon, soma, dendrites, terminal buttons
d) dendrites, soma, axon, terminal buttons
ANS: d, p. 52-53, F/D, Difficulty=2
2-67. What are two of the roles of glial cells?
a) occupying vacant space and removing waste
b) moving new neurons into place and shaping cells
c) regulating metabolic activity and serving as pain detectors
d) monitoring neural transmission and releasing hormones in the brain
ANS: a, p. 53, F/D, Difficulty=2
2-68. The year is 2020 and researchers have developed a technique for accurately counting different types of cells found in
the nervous system. You put a section of nerve tissue through the device. Which of the following will it report as an analysis
of your sample of tissue?
a) Neurons outnumber glial cells.
b) Glial cells outnumber neurons.
c) There are an equal number of neurons and glial cells.
d) Glial cells and neurons cannot be distinguished and therefore cannot be counted.
ANS: b, p. 53, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-69. To help her students understand the various parts of a neuron, an instructor compares a neuron to an electrical cord.
Using this analogy, how would the instructor describe the myelin sheath?
a) the insulating cover
b) the internal copper wire
c) the receptacle end of the cord
d) the plug that goes in a wall socket
ANS: a, p. 53, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-70. A super-powerful microscope is being used to look at the cells of the nervous system. When the professor projects the
image so the class can see, she asks the students to pay special attention to the size and number of glial cells and neurons.
What are the students likely to observe?
a) Neurons are larger but there are far more glial cells.
b) Although neurons are smaller, there are more of them than glial cells.
c) The two types of cells are similar in number, but neurons are smaller.
d) There are far more neurons because they are so small that they fit into small spaces.
ANS: a, p. 53, C/ A, Difficulty=2
2-71. What are the regularly spaced gaps along the myelin sheath?
a) myelin reliefs
b) axonal bridges
c) nodes of Ranvier
d) intercellular spaces
ANS: c, p. 53, F/D, Difficulty=1
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2-72. What are the nodes of Ranvier?
a) special neurons capable of carrying messages both ways
b) extensions of the dendrites that are especially sensitive to stimuli
c) a compartment at the end of neurons where neurotransmitters are stored for future use
d) interruptions in the myelin sheath where neural conduction tends to jump ahead quickly
ANS: d, p. 53, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-73. The view of glial cells as merely “supporting players” has begun to change; as a result neuroscientists now believe that
glial cells may play a role in
a) learning and memory.
b) development and growth.
c) sensation and perception.
d) hunger and thirst regulation.
ANS: a, p. 53, F/ D, Difficulty=2
2-74. What term describes the space between two neurons?
a) sheath
b) synapse
c) neural axon
d) neural gap
ANS: b, p. 54, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-75. What is the actual space between a presynaptic membrane and postsynaptic membrane?
a) neural sheath
b) neural gap
c) neural divide
d) synapse
ANS: d, p. 54, F/D, Difficulty=2
2-76. What chemicals stored in terminal buttons allow transmission of nerve impulses between neurons?
a) enzymes
b) hormones
c) peptides
d) neurotransmitters
ANS: d, p. 55, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-77. Where are neurotransmitters stored?
a) neural gaps
b) nodes of Ranvier
c) myelin sheaths
d) terminal buttons
ANS: d, p. 55, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-78. Some neurotransmitters make it more likely that a neuron will send its message to other neurons, a process known as
________; whereas some make it less likely that a neuron will send its message, a process known as ________.
a) excitation; inhibition
b) inhibition; excitation
c) augmentation, depletion
d) depletion, augmentation
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ANS: a, p. 55, F/D, Difficulty=2
2-79. Reduced levels of which neurotransmitter lead to Parkinson’s disease?
a) GABA
b) dopamine
c) serotonin
d) acetylcholine
ANS: b, pp. 55-56, F/D, Difficulty=2
2-80. Which neurotransmitter plays a role in motor movement and is also involved in brain pathways for reward and
punishment?
a) acetylcholine
b) dopamine
c) serotonin
d) norepinephrine
ANS: b, p. 56, F/ D, Difficulty=1
2-81. Parkinson’s disease results from a reduction in dopamine in the brain; therefore, it would seem that the likely
treatment would be to administer dopamine. Why doesn’t this treatment work?
a) The blood-brain barrier prevents dopamine from entering the brain.
b) The digestive tract destroys dopamine before it can get to the brain.
c) There are no known sources of dopamine for use in such a proposed treatment.
d) The surgical intervention that must be done is more dangerous than the disease.
ANS: a, p. 56, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-82. Your neighbor tells you that his physician has prescribed L-dopa. Based on this information you conclude that your
neighbor is suffering from
a) Tay-Sachs disease.
b) multiple sclerosis.
c) Alzheimer’s disease.
d) Parkinson’s disease.
ANS: d, p. 56, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-83. Your professor’s lecture today makes the point that biological factors play some role in addictions to drugs such as
amphetamines, cocaine, and morphine. If she focuses on neurotransmitters, which one will receive special treatment in her
lecture?
a) GABA
b) serotonin
c) dopamine
d) glutamate
ANS: c, p. 56, F/ D, Difficulty=2
2-84. Which neurotransmitter has been implicated in the development of Alzheimer’s disease?
a) GABA
b) serotonin
c) dopamine
d) acetylcholine
ANS: d, p. 56, F/D, Difficulty=1
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2-85. Which neurotransmitter is involved in mood, weight regulation, and sleep induction?
a) GABA
b) serotonin
c) dopamine
d) norepinephrine
ANS: b, p. 56, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-86. Sara has been experiencing a serious memory problem. An interdisciplinary team has ruled out a range of causes and
believes that a neurotransmitter is involved. Which neurotransmitter is most likely involved?
a) GABA
b) dopamine
c) serotonin
d) acetylcholine
ANS: d, p. 56, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-87. Andy has decided to seek medical help for a serious sleep difficulty, mood disturbance, and appetite problems. Which
neurotransmitter is most likely involved in the problems Andy is experiencing?
a) GABA
b) dopamine
c) serotonin
d) norepinephrine
ANS: c, p. 56, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-88. An autopsy of a patient who died of Alzheimer’s disease is most likely to reveal which of the following?
a) plaques in the brain and tangles inside neurons
b) loss of most of the frontal lobes and scars on the myelin sheath
c) enlarged ventricular spaces and reduction in the size of the cerebellum
d) loss of most of the glial cells and clumps of neurons packed tightly together
ANS: a, p. 56, F/ D, Difficulty=2
2-89. The newspaper reported the case of a hospital employee who killed several patients by giving them injections of a
chemical that takes the place of acetylcholine. Based on your knowledge of neuroscience, you recognize that the substance
is most likely to be
a) curare.
b) GABA.
c) Zoloft.
d) black widow spider venom.
ANS: a, p. 57, F/D, Difficulty=2
2-90. Which neurotransmitter may cause neurons to become overexcited, and thus may cause damage if its level is
excessive?
a) dopamine
b) serotonin
c) norepinephrine
d) glutamate
ANS: d, p. 57, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-91. How is acetylcholine removed from the synapse?
a) It is broken down by an enzyme.
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b) It is taken back up in the synapse.
c) It dissipates in the surrounding body fluids.
d) Acetylcholine is one of the few neurotransmitters that are continually present in the synaptic cleft.
ANS: a, p. 57, F/D, Difficulty=2
2-92. What is the process by which neurotransmitters reenter terminal buttons and are repackaged for future use?
a) recycling
b) reuptake
c) absorption
d) assimilation
ANS: b, p. 58, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-93. Which neurotransmitter is found in the brain, spinal cord, and synapses of the parasympathetic nervous system?
a) serotonin
b) dopamine
c) norepinephrine
d) acetylcholine
ANS: d, p. 58, F/D, Difficulty=2
2-94. The drug physostigmine improves the performance of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Therefore physostigmine
would be classified as a(n)
a) agonist.
b) antagonist.
c) neuromodulator.
d) opioid peptide.
ANS: a, pp. 58-59, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-95. What term is used for drugs that enhance the operation of neurotransmitters?
a) agonists
b) antagonists
c) neuromodulators
d) opioid peptides
ANS: a, p. 58, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-96. Drugs that block the operation of a neurotransmitter are called
a) agonists.
b) antagonists.
c) opioid peptides.
d) neuromodulators.
ANS: b, p. 59, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-97. Haloperidol (Haldol) is effective in treating some psychological disorders by blocking the action of dopamine. Thus, we
can describe haloperidol as a(n)
a) agonist.
b) tricyclic.
c) antagonist.
d) dopaminergic catalyst.
ANS: c, p. 59, C/A, Difficulty=2
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2-98. How do neuromodulators affect neural transmission?
a) by inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters
b) by blocking the reuptake of neurotransmitters
c) by facilitating the release of neurotransmitters
d) by either facilitating or inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters
ANS: d, p. 59, F/D, Difficulty=2
2-99. Morphine has widespread effects on the transmission of pain signals across the body, therefore morphine is a(n)
a) agonist.
b) tricyclic.
c) antagonist.
d) neuromodulator.
ANS: d, pp. 59-60, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-100. What is the most accurate description of endorphins?
a) plant-derived treatment for severe pain
b) opium-like chemicals found in the body
c) toxin that can cause a loss of neurons in the brain
d) treatment for a variety of disturbances in motor movement
ANS: b, p. 60, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-101. Every day you see Ted running as hard as he can. You wonder why he likes to sweat so much and work so hard.
When you ask, he tells you he does not feel pain; in fact, he talks about a “runner’s high.” A physiological psychologist might
attribute this “runner’s high” to the effects of
a) dopamine.
b) serotonin.
c) endorphins.
d) interphones.
ANS: c, p. 60, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-102. A sophisticated new piece of equipment can analyze levels of all chemicals in the body. If a research participant just
showed an increase in the level of endorphins, what are you likely to conclude happened?
a) He started to dream.
b) He is in deep thought.
c) He is in a coma-like state.
d) He experienced some pain.
ANS: d, p. 60, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-103. What do we call the electrical charge of a neuron when it is not firing?
a) action potential
b) resting potential
c) myelin signal
d) transmission impulse
ANS: b, p. 60, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-104. Which of these is the most accurate description of what occurs when a neural impulse moves down the length of a
neuron?
a) exchange of ions
b) increase in pressure
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c) sudden release of endorphins
d) sudden decrease in hormone levels
ANS: a, p. 60, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-105. What is the change in the charge of a neuron called?
a) resting potential
b) action potential
c) myelination signal
d) transmission impulse
ANS: b, p. 60, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-106. Compared to axons without myelin sheaths, what is the speed of action potentials through myelinated axons?
a) faster because ion exchange occurs along the entire axon
b) slower because ion exchange occurs along the entire axon
c) faster because ion exchange occurs only at the nodes of Ranvier
d) slower because ion exchange occurs only at the nodes of Ranvier
ANS: c, p. 61, F/D, Difficulty=2
2-107. What is the time during which a neuron cannot fire again?
a) recovery period
b) replacement period
c) refractory period
d) terminal period
ANS: c, p. 61, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-108. Imagine that you have been badly injured in an accident. Compared to the experience of a paper cut, how do your
neurons fire in order to send the more intense pain message?
a) The neurons fire more strongly.
b) The neurons fire at a higher rate.
c) The neurons fire less strongly, but in sequence.
d) The neurons fire at a lower rate, but in sequence.
ANS: b, pp. 60-61, F/D, Difficulty=2
2-109. What is the approximate top speed for a long, myelinated axon to transmit an action potential in the human body?
a) 2.24 miles per hour
b) 50 miles per hour
c) 224 miles per hour
d) 500 miles per hour
ANS: c, p. 61, F/D, Difficulty=2
2-110. You are examining a neuron under a microscope and find that it is myelinated. What type of neuron are you likely to
be studying, and where is it located?
a) a motor neuron in your leg
b) a motor neuron in the brain
c) a sensory neuron in the brain
d) a sensory neuron in your heart
ANS: a, pp.47; 61, C/A, Difficulty=3
2-111. In the 1800s, a person wanted to be examined by a phrenologist. What would happen?
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a) levels of brain chemicals would be assessed
b) bumps and indentations on the head would be assessed
c) a series of blows would be delivered to the head to release evil spirits
d) a series of electrical shocks would be given to cure a suspected disease
ANS: b, p. 63, F/D, Difficulty=2
2-112. Which research method was used to study the effects of the brain damage experienced by Phineas Gage?
a) case study
b) biofeedback
c) stereotaxic surgery
d) computerized brain imagery
ANS: a, p. 64, F/D, Difficulty=2
2-113. What equipment makes it possible to implant a tiny electrode into subcortical brain structures?
a) electroencephalograph
b) stereotaxic instrument
c) positron emission tomography
d) computerized axial tomography
ANS: b, p. 65, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-114. Why is stereotaxic surgery only used as a “last resort”?
a) because medical therapies have made stereotaxic surgery virtually unnecessary
b) because it has been proven ineffective for treating psychological disorders
c) because it is so expensive that few, if any, people can afford it
d) because of ethical issues involved in doing surgery that can cause permanent changes in a patient’s abilities or
personality
ANS: d, p. 65, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-115. Which equipment is used to monitor brain waves?
a) electroencephalograph (EEG)
b) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
c) positron emission tomograph (PET)
d) computerized axial tomograph (CAT)
ANS: a, p. 65, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-116. While on a field trip to a hospital, you overhear a conversation focused on the results of diagnostic tests. There was
frequent use of the words alpha, theta, and beta. You conclude that the topic of the conversation was a(n)
a) angiogram.
b) electroencephalogram.
c) positron emission tomography scan.
d) computerized axial tomography scan.
ANS: b, p. 66, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-117. Which brain waves are slow and occur during deep sleep?
a) alpha
b) beta
c) theta
d) delta
ANS: d, p. 66, F/D, Difficulty=1
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2-118. Which technique is used to confirm “brain death”?
a) electroencephalography (EEG)
b) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
c) positron emission tomography (PET) scan
d) computerized axial tomography (CT) scan
ANS: a, p. 66, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-119. You are concentrating on the chapter for the next exam. You read every word and try to predict what your teacher
will ask. If you are connected to an EEG, what brain waves will be evident?
a) beta
b) alpha
c) theta
d) delta
ANS: a, p. 66, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-120. A bulletin board notice seeks paid participants for research involving magnetic resonance imaging. You could use the
$50 payment for participation; however, the name of the procedure makes you apprehensive. When you call the
researcher, how will he describe the procedure you would undergo?
a) “This device measures hormone levels through a needle inserted in your arm.”
b) “The procedure will measure brain electrical activity by analyzing magnetic fields.”
c) “The device will allow the researcher to apply an electrode that can be used to plot moods during the day.”
d) “The procedure will involve taking photographs of your facial expressions and correlating them with brain
activity.”
ANS: b, p. 66, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-121. Which brain waves are the fastest?
a) beta
b) alpha
c) delta
d) theta
ANS: a, p. 66, F/D, Difficulty=2
2-122. You see a sign soliciting research participants for a study involving a CT scan. When you call the researcher to inquire
about the research, she tells you that a CT scan involves
a) multiple X-ray images of the brain.
b) recording the brain’s electrical activity.
c) monitoring the metabolic activity of the brain.
d) directing radio waves at the brain to cause hydrogen atoms to emit signals.
ANS: a, p. 66, F/D, Difficulty=2
2-123. You are in the hospital about to undergo a brain imaging process that involves taking multiple X-rays from different
angles. What type of imaging is described?
a) electroencephalography (EEG)
b) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
c) positron emission tomography (PET) scan
d) computerized axial tomography (CT) scan
ANS: d, pp. 66-67, C/A, Difficulty=2
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2-124. Which method of studying the brain provides the clearest pictures of the brain?
a) electroencephalography (EEG)
b) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
c) computerized axial tomography (CT)
d) positron emission tomography (PET)
ANS: b, p. 67, F/D, Difficulty=2
2-125. You are in the hospital about to undergo a brain imaging process that involves radio waves. What is the procedure
you are about to undergo?
a) electroencephalography (EEG)
b) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
c) computerized axial tomography (CT) scan
d) positron emission tomography (PET) scan
ANS: b, p. 67, C/A, Difficulty=3
2-126. How does a PET scan provide information about the functioning of the brain?
a) A computer interprets X-rays.
b) It makes a record of radio waves directed to the brain.
c) It monitors the radioactivity level of different areas of the brain.
d) It records electrical activity from electrodes placed on the skull surface.
ANS: c, p. 67, F/D, Difficulty=2
2-127. A hospital patient is injected with a small amount of radioactive glucose. Which type of brain imaging is the patient
about to undergo?
a) electroencephalography (EEG)
b) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
c) computerized axial tomography (CT) scan
d) positron emission tomography (PET) scan
ANS: d, p. 67, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-128. A researcher wants to obtain good structural views of the brain as well as information on ongoing changes in brain
activity. Which of these would be the best choice for this researcher?
a) electroencephalography (EEG)
b) computerized axial tomography (CT) scan
c) positron emission tomography (PET) scan
d) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scan
ANS: d, p. 67, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-129. The medulla, pons, and the cerebellum are parts of the
a) midbrain.
b) forebrain.
c) spinal cord.
d) hindbrain.
ANS: d, p. 69, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-130. From an evolutionary perspective, where are the oldest structures of the brain?
a) midbrain
b) hindbrain
c) forebrain
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d) corpus callosum
ANS: b, p. 69, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-131. Here is the job description for a part of the brain: controls respiration, heart rate, vomiting, swallowing, yawning,
and blood circulation. Which part of the brain is described here?
a) pons
b) medulla
c) cerebellum
d) corpus callosum
ANS: b, p. 69, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-132. An auto accident rendered Jane’s nervous system unable to send messages for her to breathe, so she is on a
respirator. Which brain structure was damaged in the accident?
a) medulla
b) cerebellum
c) hippocampus
d) reticular formation
ANS: a, p. 69, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-133. The structure of the hindbrain that connects the two halves and is responsible for sleep and arousal is known as the
a) cerebellum.
b) corpus callosum.
c) pons.
d) pineal gland.
ANS: c, p. 69, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-134. An industrial accident resulted in brain damage that left Bob with difficulty in coordinating his motor movements.
What is the most likely location of the damage?
a) pons
b) medulla
c) thalamus
d) cerebellum
ANS: d, p. 69, F/D, Difficulty=2
2-135. While driving, Sam was directed by a police officer to pull off the highway. The officer suspected that Sam had been
drinking and asked him to walk a straight line. If Sam had been drinking, he would have difficulty with this maneuver as a
result of the effects of alcohol on the
a) pons.
b) cerebellum.
c) hippocampus.
d) hypothalamus.
ANS: b, pp. 69-70, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-136. A newborn was deprived of oxygen during birth, so pediatricians are concerned that brain damage may have
occurred. They find evidence of damage to the cerebellum. Which of these is most likely to be affected by this damage?
a) problem solving ability
b) ability to eat a balanced diet
c) coordination of motor movements
d) short-term memory for personal events
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ANS: c, pp. 69-70, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-137. What are the components of the brain stem?
a) forebrain and midbrain
b) hindbrain and midbrain
c) forebrain and hindbrain
d) forebrain, hindbrain, and midbrain
ANS: b, p. 70, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-138. What is the main function of the reticular formation?
a) to control thinking
b) to regulate emotions
c) to control levels of alertness
d) to coordinate muscular movements
ANS: c, p. 70, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-139. Which brain structure allows you to sleep through the chiming of the grandfather clock in your house?
a) cerebellum
b) limbic system
c) corpus callosum
d) reticular formation
ANS: d, p. 70, F/D, Difficulty=2
2-140. Alice is typing her term paper in the computer lab. Although a class is going on just a few feet away, she does not
seem to notice. Which part of the brain allows Alice to focus on her typing and ignore the distractions that surround her?
a) hypothalamus
b) basal ganglia
c) corpus callosum
d) reticular formation
ANS: d, p. 70, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-141. What fibers connect the two hemispheres of the brain?
a) thalamus
b) cerebral cortex
c) reticular formation
d) corpus callosum
ANS: d, p. 71, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-142. Subcortical structures such as the amygdala are located beneath the
a) soma.
b) brain stem.
c) spinal cord.
d) cerebral cortex.
ANS: d, p. 71, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-143. Dion threw his bat into the dirt after he struck out for the third time during a softball game. Which part of the brain
is involved in this expression of anger?
a) corpus callosum
b) limbic system
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c) parietal lobes
d) reticular formation
ANS: b, p. 71, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-144. Al is having difficulty controlling his appetite; he has added more than 100 pounds in three months. After extensive
testing at University Hospital, specialists concluded that Al’s problem is the result of a brain tumor. Which part of the brain
is the likely location of the tumor?
a) thalamus
b) hippocampus
c) hypothalamus
d) corpus callosum
ANS: c, pp. 71-72, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-145. A young man was referred to a neurosurgeon after his frequent bouts of aggression could not be explained or
controlled. Sophisticated diagnostic tests found a tumor. What is the likely location of the tumor?
a) pons
b) amygdala
c) basal ganglia
d) corpus callosum
ANS: b, p. 71, C/A, Difficulty=3
2-146. Which part of the brain is involved in the regulation of body temperature, hunger, thirst, and sexual behavior?
a) medulla
b) cerebellum
c) hypothalamus
d) reticular activating system
ANS: c, p. 71-72, F/D, Difficulty=2
2-147. Which of these is a likely effect of damage to the hypothalamus?
a) insomnia
b) disruption of appetite
c) development of aphasia
d) reduced ability to reason
ANS: b, pp. 71-72, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-148. What do the pons and corpus callosum have in common?
a) They are major lobes of the cortex.
b) They connect halves of the brain at different levels.
c) They both have direct connections to all of the lobes of the brain.
d) They are relatively new parts of the brain from an evolutionary point of view.
ANS: b, p. 69-73, C/A, Difficulty=3
2-149. What is the “great relay station” of the brain?
a) pons
b) thalamus
c) hippocampus
d) corpus callosum
ANS: b, p. 71, F/D, Difficulty=1
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2-150. Which brain structure contains various tracts so that sensory information can be divided and sent to different brain
areas for vision, hearing, and other senses?
a) thalamus
b) cerebellum
c) hypothalamus
d) reticular formation
ANS: a, p. 71, F/D, Difficulty=2
2-151. A neuroscientist is going to present a talk on the human brain and how it compares to the brains of other animals. In
addition to the size of the cortex, what is she likely to mention as a primary difference between human and animal brains?
a) The human cortex is smooth and not very thick compared to other animals’ cortexes.
b) The human cortex is very wrinkled and crumpled in appearance compared to other animals’ cortexes.
c) The human cortex is shaped like a seahorse whereas in other animals it is shaped more like a starfish.
d) The human cortex is filled with bony structures whereas in other animals it is not.
ANS: b, p. 72, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-152. During a visit to a physiological psychology laboratory, a group of students was able to view a preserved human
brain. Most of them had never seen a human brain except in drawings or photographs. The brain reminds each of them of
something that could be used as an analogy. Which student offers an analogy that provides the best fit to the human
brain’s visual appearance?
a) John says the brain looks like an egg.
b) To Elizabeth, the brain looks like a carrot.
c) To Mary, the brain looks like a cauliflower.
d) Gavin says the brain reminds him of a tomato.
ANS: c, p. 72, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-153. Warren is having trouble deciding what he wants to eat for breakfast. Which lobes of his brain are especially active
as he makes his selection?
a) parietal
b) frontal
c) temporal
d) occipital
ANS: b, p. 73, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-154. After an iron rod shot through his brain in an accident, Phineas Gage experienced difficulty in carrying out his plans
effectively. Which lobe of the brain was damaged in his accident?
a) frontal
b) temporal
c) parietal
d) occipital
ANS: a, pp. 64, 73, F/D, Difficulty=2
2-155. Which lobe accounts for about half of the volume of each of the hemispheres?
a) frontal
b) temporal
c) occipital
d) parietal
ANS: a, p. 73, F/ D, Difficulty=1
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2-156. Darla was in an automobile accident that resulted in an injury to her brain. Her sense of touch has been affected.
Which part of the brain is the likely site of the damage?
a) frontal lobes
b) temporal lobes
c) occipital lobes
d) parietal lobes
ANS: d, p. 73, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-157. Which body part is represented by the largest area in the sensory cortex?
a) toes
b) back
c) eyes
d) fingers
ANS: d, p. 75, F/D, Difficulty=2
2-158. A neurologist examines a patient who cannot see despite any evidence of damage to the eye. The neurologist
suspects the patient has brain damage. Which part of the brain would the neurologist hypothesize as the location of the
damage?
a) hypothalamus
b) parietal lobes
c) corpus callosum
d) occipital lobes
ANS: d, p. 76, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-159. A stroke left Dan unable to speak. A neurologist suspects that damage occurred in Dan’s
a) left frontal lobe.
b) left parietal lobe.
c) right temporal lobe.
d) right occipital lobe.
ANS: a, p. 76, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-160. A series of MRI scans reveal the presence of a tiny tumor on a patient’s occipital lobes. A medical team decides that
surgery is not necessary at this point because the tumor is not cancerous; however, they want to keep track of any growth
in the tumor. They ask a neuropsychologist to administer periodic tests in order to determine if the tumor has grown.
Which test would be most helpful to the medical team?
a) a vision test
b) a test of strength in the left and right arms
c) a list of orally presented words that must be defined
d) a test of memory for events that occurred during childhood
ANS: a, p. 76, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-161. Which pair correctly associates a language problem with the area that is most likely damaged?
a) visual agnosia - cerebellum
b) nonfluent aphasia - Broca’s area
c) fluent aphasia - corpus callosum
d) visual aphasia - Wernicke’s area
ANS: b, p. 76, F/ D, Difficulty=2
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2-162. Dr. Walk has found evidence of severe damage to a patient’s occipital lobes. When she sends a report to the
referring physician, it will most likely contain which of these terms?
a) ALS
b) multiple sclerosis
c) cortical blindness
d) Alzheimer’s disease
ANS: c, p. 76, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-163. You are attending a staff meeting at the hospital where you work. One of the patients was described as exhibiting
nonfluent aphasia. Based on your knowledge of the brain, you are quite sure that the damage occurred in which area of the
brain?
a) pons
b) medulla
c) corpus callosum
d) Broca’s area
ANS: d, p. 76, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-164. Which of these is the best description of the speech of people who suffer from aphasia due to damage to Broca’s
area?
a) fluent sounding but meaningless speech
b) halting speech produced with difficulty
c) nouns and verbs are transposed
d) repeats the same words over and over
ANS: b, p. 76, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-165. Bill was admitted to the hospital last week after he fell. When Bill’s son visited, he found his father could not speak.
If Bill’s inability to speak is due to brain damage, what is the likely location of the damage?
a) cerebellum
b) limbic system
c) left hemisphere
d) right hemisphere
ANS: c, p. 76, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-166. An insurance company asked a neurologist to examine a patient who had been the victim of a brutal attack. The
patient now has a language deficit resulting from brain damage. Which term will the neurologist use in a report of this
examination?
a) alexia
b) aphasia
c) apraxia
d) aprosodia
ANS: b, p. 76, F/D, Difficulty=2
2-167. Mary suffered a head injury in a car accident last week. Since that time, she has experienced difficulty understanding
what the doctors have been saying to her. Mary may be exhibiting
a) alexia.
b) aphasia.
c) apraxia.
d) aprosodia.
ANS: b, p. 76, F/D, Difficulty=2
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2-168. For most people, speech production takes place in the ________ hemisphere, whereas speech comprehension takes
place in the ________ hemisphere.
a) left temporal; left frontal
b) left frontal; left temporal
c) right temporal; right frontal
d) right frontal; right temporal
ANS: b, p. 76, F/D, Difficulty=2
2-169. A patient who cannot identify objects is suffering from
a) visual agnosia.
b) visual aphasia.
c) sensory aphasia.
d) sensory agnosia.
ANS: a, p. 76, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-170. What term would a neuropsychologist use for a deficit in nonverbal skills?
a) alexia
b) aphasia
c) apraxia
d) aprosodia
ANS: c, p. 77, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-171. A neurologist and a neuropsychologist believe that a patient probably exhibits prosody. A series of brain scans is
ordered. If the two specialists are correct in the diagnosis, they expect to find damage to which area of the brain?
a) cerebellum
b) corpus callosum
c) left hemisphere
d) right hemisphere
ANS: d, p. 77, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-172. Penny suffered brain damage in an auto accident. As a result, she has lost the ability to display/express emotion. She
is exhibiting
a) motor aphasia.
b) motor aprosodia.
c) emotive aphasia.
d) emotive aprosodia.
ANS: b, p. 77, F/D, Difficulty=2
2-173. What disorder have neurosurgeons treated by cutting the corpus callosum?
a) epilepsy
b) schizophrenia
c) Alzheimer’s disease
d) Parkinson’s disease
ANS: a, p. 77, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-174. Suppose a right-handed split-brain patient is blindfolded and handed a key, which he holds in his left hand. What
would he say when asked what he has in his hand?
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a) He would say “key.”
b) He would deny having anything in his hand.
c) He would understand the question but could not say what he had in his hand.
d) He would be unable to comprehend the question and thus would not respond.
ANS: c, pp. 77-78, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-175. Which of these seems to be a function of the right hemisphere?
a) writing sentences
b) spelling new words
c) recognizing faces
d) remembering names of people you have met
ANS: c, p. 78, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-176. What do neuroscientists mean when they say that the brain is plastic?
a) The brain resembles silly putty.
b) The brain can change over time.
c) Most of the brain is the consistency of plastic.
d) Most of the brain consists of structures that are similar to toys.
ANS: b, pp. 79-80, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-177. A neuroscientist is reviewing evidence on the generation of new brain cells in humans. Which of these would be the
best title for a report she wants to issue?
a) “Neurogenesis: Still a Myth”
b) “Another Myth Bites the Dust”
c) “Nature Stops at Birth: Decline in Neuron Count”
d) “Growth of New Cells Occurs Only in Lower Animals”
ANS: b, p. 79, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-178. A newspaper reporter was asked to write a story on new and exciting findings in behavioral neuroscience. The editor
suggested neurogenesis. Because the reporter is not familiar with the term he asked you. How will you describe this
phenomenon?
a) The brain creates its own new neurotransmitters, which accounts for our individuality.
b) Contrary to past beliefs, new neurons can be created in the brain long after we are born.
c) Scientists have found that some of our memories are capable of being encoded in our genes.
d) Toxins in our environment are creating a new type of brain cell that is causing serious problems.
ANS: b, p. 79, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-179. Terry was two years old when a car accident damaged the left temporal lobe of his brain, causing him to no longer
understand language. Over time, the right temporal lobe assumed this role, allowing him to relearn language. This is an
example of
a) brain reassignment.
b) cross-functioning.
c) neuroplasticity.
d) brain cell regeneration.
ANS: c, p. 79, C/A, Difficulty=2
2-180. The growth of new neurons in the brain is known as
a) myelination.
b) neurogenesis.
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c) denditrization.
d) synaptic pruning.
ANS: b, p. 79, F/D, Difficulty=1
2-181. The belief that the brain cannot regenerate or develop new neurons
a) was proven true recently through the use of PET scans.
b) is still up for debate.
c) was proven false by the discovery that encoding large amounts of information into memory causes new neurons
to grow in the hippocampus.
d) was proven false by the discovery that the corpus callosum can regenerate following split brain surgery.
ANS: c, p. 79, F/D, Difficulty=2
2-182. A split-brain patient is asked to stare at a spot on a screen. The word base appears to the left of the spot; the word
ball appears to the right of the spot. What will the patient say he saw?
a) I see the word ball.
b) I see the word base.
c) I see the word baseball.
d) I cannot see anything at all.
ANS: a, p. 79, C/A, Difficulty=2
ESSAY
2-183. The nervous system is responsible for sensing, processing, and responding. Describe each of these functions.
Describe an event that has happened to you and apply each of those functions to that event.
* Sensing is the use of receptors such as eyes and ears to sense stimuli.
* Processing occurs when the brain makes sense of sensory input.
* Responding involves the brain sending messages to muscles based on the information processed.
* The response should include a personal example that identifies the three functions of the nervous system.
Critical Thinking Essay Question
2-184. What are the primary functions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic components of the peripheral nervous
system? Describe a situation or experience in which activation of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions has
occurred.
* The sympathetic division mobilizes the body in times of stress.
* The parasympathetic division returns the body to a resting balance (homeostasis).
* The response should describe a situation in which activation of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions has
occurred.
2-185. Describe how the brain and the spinal cord perform similar functions. How are these functions dissimilar?
* Both the spinal cord and the brain send and receive sensory input.
* The spinal cord produces automatic responses because of a shorter route.
* The brain produces responses in which processing of stimuli is necessary.
Critical Thinking Essay Question
2-186. How does the endocrine system influence behavior? Give examples of the glands and their hormones.
*The endocrine system influences behavior by secreting chemicals that influence such things as learning and memory,
growth and metabolic rate, blood glucose levels, sexual characteristics, and stress reactions.
* The pineal gland secretes melatonin, which is involved in sleep.
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* The pancreas secretes insulin, which the body needs in order to use blood sugar or glucose.
* The hypothalamus is both an endocrine gland and a center for a wide variety of behaviors related to survival. It signals the
pituitary gland to release hormones.
* The thyroid releases thyroxine when activated by the pituitary’s thyroid-stimulating hormone. This hormone regulates
growth and metabolic rate.
* The gonads (ovaries in women and testes in men) produce sex hormones (androgens in men and estrogens in women).
* The adrenal glands secrete epinephrine and norepinephrine, which power the activity of the sympathetic system.
2-187. Describe multiple sclerosis and how damage to the myelin sheath results in the symptoms associated with the
disease.
* Multiple sclerosis is a demyelinating disease that occurs when the immune system attacks the myelin sheath that covers
axons in the CNS.
* The disease usually affects young adults in their 30s and is more likely to affect women than men.
* Common symptoms – muscle weakness; numbness and tingling in the limbs, trunk, or face; blurry vision; gait and balance
problems; affects memory and visual spatial abilities.
* The severity of the disease depends on which myelin sheaths are damaged. Damage to myelin sheaths in the brain stem
and spinal cord is more serious and can leave a patient wheelchair-bound.
2-188. Choose any two methods that psychologists use to learn about the functions of the brain.
Describe the method, how it works, and the type of information we can learn from it.
* A case study is an in-depth study of the functioning of one individual who suffers from an impairment.
* Stereotaxic surgery involves insertion of a thin electrode to record and stimulate electrical brain activity.
* An electroencephalograph records electrical activity of the brain without evasive procedures.
* Computerized brain imaging which includes PET, CT, MRI, and fMRI scans, produces differing pictures of the brain.
2-189. What are neurotransmitters? Give examples of several neurotransmitters. Where do they primarily operate? How
are they cleared from this area?
* Neurotransmitters are chemical substances that facilitate the transmission of information from one neuron to another.
* Neurotransmitters operate in the synapse.
* They are cleared by either breaking down in the synapse or by reuptake.
* Acetylcholine is involved in muscle movement, memory, and Alzheimer’s disease.
* Dopamine is involved in movement and reward centers; it is also implicated in Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia.
* GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter involved in levels of excitability.
* Norepinephrine is involved in sympathetic nervous system activity.
* Serotonin is involved in mood, appetite, sleep, and aggression.
* Glutamate is the most widely distributed excitatory neurotransmitter; excessive levels may cause neurons to become
overexcited and they may die. (See Table 2-1, p. 58).
2-190. What are the three major divisions of the brain? What functions does each division control?
* The hindbrain involves survival functions and includes the: (a) medulla, (b) pons, and (c) cerebellum.
* The midbrain is composed of pathways to higher brain centers including the reticular formation.
* The forebrain is concerned with the communication between the two hemispheres (the corpus callosum connects the
hemispheres) and the subcortical structures including the (a) limbic system, (b) thalamus, (c) hypothalamus, and (d) basal
ganglia. (See Study Chart: Major Structures of the Brain, p. 73).
Critical Thinking Essay Question
2-191. Describe the function of one agonist and one antagonist and how the two types of drugs generally differ.
* Physostigmine is an agonist; Haldol and reserpine are antagonists
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* Agonists and antagonists differ in that agonists enhance the operation of a neurotransmitter and antagonists block the
operation of neurotransmitters.
* Agonists work in the following ways: (1) increase synthesis of neurotransmitters (for example, by increasing the amount
of a precursor); (2) increase amount of neurotransmitter by destroying degrading enzymes; (3) increase amount of
neurotransmitter that is released; (4) drug binds to receptors and activates them or increases the effect of the
neurotransmitter; and (5) drug blocks deactivation by inhibiting breakdown or reuptake.
* Antagonists work in the following ways: (1) blocking synthesis of neurotransmitter (for example, by destroying
synthesizing enzymes); (2) causes neurotransmitter to leak from vesicles; (3) blocks release of neurotransmitter from the
neuron; and (4) drug may be a false transmitter; it binds to receptors and prevents the neurotransmitter from binding
them. (See Figure 2-8, p. 59).
2-192. What have we learned about the two hemispheres of the brain from split-brain patients?
* The two hemispheres cannot communicate without the corpus callosum (visual fields).
* The left hemisphere is involved in speech and language production and operates in a logical, sequential, and analytical
manner.
* The right hemisphere is involved in spatial abilities, adding emotional content to speech, facial recognition, and in the
selection of objects. The right hemisphere operates in a holistic or all-encompassing manner.
2-193. Why do we learn so much about the brain through unfortunate incidents such as war, strokes, and brain damage?
Give two examples of information that we have learned in such manners.
* Unfortunate incidents cause impairments in individuals that we cannot ethically induce but provide an opportunity to
study their behavior and the link to the brain damaged region.
* The response should include an example of information we have learned in such cases.
2-194. How do people exhibiting aphasias and apraxias differ in their behavior from one another? Give an example.
* Aphasias include a loss of the ability to speak or understand written or spoken language; nonfluent aphasia is an inability
to produce speech; fluent aphasia is an inability to understand written and spoken language.
* Apraxias are the inability to perform previously learned skilled movements; in a dressing apraxia, a person has trouble
putting on clothing on one side of the body; in a constructional apraxia, a person cannot copy a simple drawing.
* The response should include examples of the appropriate behaviors.
Critical Thinking Essay Question
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