Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the myelin sheath on a neuron?

Accepted Answer

It increases the speed and efficiency of electrical signal transmission along the axon.

Question 2

During the action potential, which ion primarily rushes into the neuron, causing depolarization?

Accepted Answer

Sodium (Na\^+)

Question 3

What is the main role of glial cells in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

They protect, support, and nourish neurons.

Question 4

Which neurotransmitter is most closely associated with voluntary movement and is deficient in Parkinson's disease?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Question 5

A drug that blocks the reuptake of serotonin in the synaptic cleft would most likely:

Accepted Answer

Increase the duration of serotonin's effect on the postsynaptic neuron.

Question 6

Which of the following best describes the difference between an agonist and an antagonist?

Accepted Answer

An agonist enhances or mimics neurotransmitter effects, while an antagonist inhibits them.

Question 7

Which neurotransmitter is primarily inhibitory in the central nervous system and helps dampen neural activity?

Accepted Answer

GABA

Question 8

A patient with damage to the occipital lobe would most likely have difficulty with which function?

Accepted Answer

Vision

Question 9

Which brain structure is most involved in forming new long-term memories?

Accepted Answer

Hippocampus

Question 10

If a person has a split-brain surgery (severing the corpus callosum), which of the following is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Communication between the two cerebral hemispheres will be disrupted.

Question 11

Which of the following best explains the concept of neural plasticity?

Accepted Answer

The brain's ability to adapt and change by reorganizing synaptic connections.

Question 12

Which lobe of the cerebral cortex is primarily responsible for auditory processing?

Accepted Answer

Temporal lobe

Question 13

What is the main function of the medulla in the hindbrain?

Accepted Answer

Controlling vital functions such as heartbeat and breathing

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the process of reuptake in neurotransmission?

Accepted Answer

Neurotransmitters are taken back into the presynaptic neuron for recycling.

Question 15

A person with multiple sclerosis (MS) experiences loss of myelin. What is the most likely effect on neural communication?

Accepted Answer

Signals will become erratic and slower.

Question 16

Which neurotransmitter is most closely associated with mood regulation and is targeted by SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Question 17

Which of the following equations best represents the change in membrane potential during an action potential?

Accepted Answer

$$V_{m} = V_{rest} + \Delta V_{Na^+} - \Delta V_{K^+}$$

Question 18

Which of the following is a real-world example of an antagonist drug and its effect?

Accepted Answer

Botox blocking acetylcholine release, causing muscle paralysis

Question 19

Which brain region is most involved in motor coordination, such as timing of leg and arm movements?

Accepted Answer

Cerebellum

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

It is the site where neurotransmitters are released to transmit signals between neurons.

Biological Psychology: Neurons, Neurotransmission, and Brain Structure

Study Guide - Practice Questions