Question 1

Which imaging technique is primarily used to measure changes in blood oxygenation to infer brain activity?

Accepted Answer

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)

Question 2

What is the main function of the myelin sheath surrounding axons?

Accepted Answer

To increase the speed of information transmission along the axon

Question 3

Which part of the neuron receives information from other neurons, muscles, or glands?

Accepted Answer

Dendrite

Question 4

Neurotransmitters are released into which structure to facilitate communication between neurons?

Accepted Answer

Synapse

Question 5

Which process describes the creation of new neurons in the brain?

Accepted Answer

Neurogenesis

Question 6

A researcher is interested in studying the structure of the brain in high-risk youth. Which imaging technique should they use?

Accepted Answer

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Question 7

What is the primary role of neurotransmitters in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

To allow neuron-to-neuron communication via chemical signals

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the concept of plasticity in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

The ability of the nervous system to change and adapt

Question 9

If a neurotransmitter increases the likelihood of a neuron firing an action potential, it is considered:

Accepted Answer

Excitatory

Question 10

Which brain lobe is primarily responsible for processing visual information?

Accepted Answer

Occipital lobe

Question 11

A patient has damage to the left hemisphere of their brain, which area is most likely to be affected?

Accepted Answer

Language functions

Question 12

Which equation best represents the relationship between the number of neurons ($$N) $$and the number of connections ($$C) in $$the brain, assuming each neuron connects to $$k$$ other neurons?

Accepted Answer

$$C = N 	imes k$$

Question 13

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of brain plasticity?

Accepted Answer

A person learns a new language and their brain recruits additional areas to process speech.

Question 14

Which step occurs first in the transmission of a neural signal?

Accepted Answer

Generation of an action potential in the axon

Question 15

Which process is responsible for removing neurotransmitters from the synaptic cleft after they have transmitted their signal?

Accepted Answer

Reuptake

Question 16

A neuroscientist is studying the effects of enriched environments on neuron structure. What change would they most likely observe?

Accepted Answer

Increased branching and complexity of dendrites

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the role of the axon in a neuron?

Accepted Answer

Transmits information away from the cell body

Question 18

If a neuron is unable to release neurotransmitters from its terminal buttons, which process will be directly affected?

Accepted Answer

Chemical communication between neurons

Question 19

Which of the following is a plausible consequence of impaired self-regulation in high-risk youth, as studied by Zu Wei Zhai’s lab?

Accepted Answer

Increased susceptibility to substance and behavioral addictions

Question 20

Which formula would you use to calculate the total number of possible synaptic connections ($$S) in a $$brain with $$n$$ neurons, if each neuron can connect to every other neuron?

Accepted Answer

$$S = n 	imes (n - 1)$$

Biological Foundations of Behavior: Neurons, Neurotransmission, and Brain Structure

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