Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of glial cells in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

They support, nourish, and protect neurons, acting as 'worker bees' to the neuron's 'queen bee'.

Question 2

A patient with multiple sclerosis (MS) is experiencing erratic neural signaling. Which of the following best explains this phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

Loss of myelin sheath, which disrupts the speed and efficiency of action potential conduction.

Question 3

During the action potential, which ion flows out of the neuron to repolarize the axon?

Accepted Answer

Potassium (K\^+)

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the 'refractory period' in neural firing?

Accepted Answer

A brief period after an action potential when the neuron cannot fire again, regardless of stimulation.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

Increase the duration of serotonin's action in the synaptic cleft.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

GABA

Question 8

Which brain structure is most involved in basic life functions such as heartbeat and breathing?

Accepted Answer

Medulla

Question 9

Damage to the left hemisphere of the cerebral cortex is most likely to impair which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Fine-tuned language skills such as speech comprehension and production

Question 10

Which process describes the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life?

Accepted Answer

Neural plasticity

Question 11

A person is able to understand spoken language but cannot produce meaningful speech. Which brain area is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Broca's area

Question 12

Which of the following best explains the role of the synapse in neural communication?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 13

Which neurotransmitter is most directly involved in arousal, selective attention, and memory, and is affected by drugs like Aricept?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 14

A person with damage to the right hemisphere of the brain is most likely to have difficulty with:

Accepted Answer

Visuospatial skills and perceptual grouping

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the function of the reticular activating system?

Accepted Answer

Key in arousal and alertness

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of an excitatory neurotransmitter and its effect?

Accepted Answer

Glutamate; increases the chance that neurons will communicate

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

Reuptake

Question 18

A person is prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) for depression. What is the primary mechanism of action for this drug?

Accepted Answer

It blocks the reuptake of serotonin, increasing its availability in the synaptic cleft.

Question 19

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of neural pruning?

Accepted Answer

The removal of unused synaptic connections to make the brain more efficient.

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

Temporal lobe

Biological Psychology: Neurons, Neurotransmission, and Brain Structure

Study Guide - Practice Questions