Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the somatic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

It transmits sensory information and controls movement of the skeletal muscles.

Question 2

Which structure connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain, allowing communication between them?

Accepted Answer

Corpus callosum

Question 3

A patient has difficulty with spatial reasoning and music perception. Which hemisphere of the brain is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Right hemisphere

Question 4

Which of the following brain imaging techniques is best for measuring the structure (shape and size) of the brain?

Accepted Answer

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Question 5

Which of the following is a key limitation of EEG (electroencephalogram) in brain imaging?

Accepted Answer

It has poor spatial resolution.

Question 6

A researcher wants to study the time course of brain activation in response to a specific event. Which method should they use?

Accepted Answer

Event-related potentials (ERPs)

Question 7

Which part of the nervous system is responsible for conserving energy and maintaining body functions such as digestion?

Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic division

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the function of the thalamus?

Accepted Answer

It acts as a relay station, interpreting and transmitting sensory information to the cortex.

Question 9

A patient with damage to the hippocampus would most likely experience which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Difficulty forming new memories

Question 10

Which imaging technique uses the blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) ratio to measure brain activity?

Accepted Answer

Functional MRI (fMRI)

Question 11

If a person has a stroke affecting the left hemisphere of their brain, which of the following deficits are they most likely to experience?

Accepted Answer

Difficulty with language and math

Question 12

Which of the following is a function of the reticular formation?

Accepted Answer

Regulating arousal and alertness

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why fMRI is preferred over PET for studying brain function in healthy volunteers?

Accepted Answer

fMRI does not require exposure to radioactive substances.

Question 14

Which of the following is true about the organization of the cerebral cortex?

Accepted Answer

It contains gyri (ridges) and sulci (grooves) to increase surface area.

Question 15

A patient is unable to recognize familiar faces, a condition known as prosopagnosia. Which area of the brain is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Right temporal lobe

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the main difference between structural and functional brain imaging?

Accepted Answer

Structural imaging shows brain anatomy, while functional imaging shows brain activity.

Question 17

Which of the following equations best represents the relationship between the nervous system components?

Accepted Answer

$$Nervous\ System = Central\ Nervous\ System + Peripheral\ Nervous\ System$$

Question 18

A researcher is interested in mapping the white matter tracts in the brain. Which imaging technique should they use?

Accepted Answer

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the function of the spinal cord?

Accepted Answer

It acts as a pathway connecting the brain and the peripheral nervous system.

Question 20

Which of the following is a key advantage of using event-related potentials (ERPs) in psychological research?

Accepted Answer

They provide excellent temporal resolution for measuring brain responses to specific events.

Biological Psychology II: Nervous System Structure, Organization, and Brain Imaging

Study Guide - Practice Questions