Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the myelin sheath in neural transmission?

Accepted Answer

It insulates axons and speeds up the transmission of electrical impulses.

Question 2

A patient with multiple sclerosis is likely to experience which of the following symptoms due to the degradation of the myelin sheath?

Accepted Answer

Slower neural transmission and muscle weakness.

Question 3

Which neurotransmitter is most closely associated with learning, memory, and muscle movement, and is notably deficient in Alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 4

A drug that blocks dopamine receptors is most likely to be used in the treatment of which psychological disorder?

Accepted Answer

Schizophrenia

Question 5

Which of the following sequences correctly describes the path of a neural impulse during conduction?

Accepted Answer

Dendrites, soma, axon, axon terminal

Question 6

A person who has suffered damage to the hippocampus would most likely experience which of the following deficits?

Accepted Answer

Difficulty forming new memories but intact old memories.

Question 7

Which brain structure is primarily responsible for regulating automatic functions such as heartbeat, breathing, and blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

Medulla

Question 8

If a person is experiencing 'road rage' while driving, which part of the brain is most likely activated?

Accepted Answer

Amygdala

Question 9

Which of the following best explains the role of the corpus callosum in brain function?

Accepted Answer

It connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres, allowing communication between them.

Question 10

A patient with prosopagnosia is most likely to have damage in which area of the brain?

Accepted Answer

Fusiform gyrus

Question 11

Which neurotransmitter is most closely linked to mood regulation, sleep, impulsivity, and aggression, and is targeted by many antidepressant drugs?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Question 12

Alcohol increases the activity of which neurotransmitter, leading to lowered anxiety and slurred speech?

Accepted Answer

GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid)

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

It acts as the brain's sensory relay station, directing incoming sensory information to appropriate areas.

Question 14

A drug that acts as an antagonist at opiate receptors would have which effect?

Accepted Answer

It would block pain relief and the opiate high.

Question 15

Which brain region is most involved in forming new memories of facts and episodes?

Accepted Answer

Hippocampus

Question 16

Which of the following is a common misconception about hemispheric specialization?

Accepted Answer

People are either right-brained (creative) or left-brained (logical), and these traits do not overlap.

Question 17

Which lobe of the cerebral cortex is primarily responsible for mediating movement, problem solving, decision making, and inhibition?

Accepted Answer

Frontal lobe

Question 18

A person who is able to drive while daydreaming, coordinating left and right hand movements, is primarily using which brain structure?

Accepted Answer

Cerebellum

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the resting potential of a neuron?

Accepted Answer

The interior of the axon has an excess of negatively charged ions, while the exterior has more positively charged ions.

Question 20

A patient with Parkinson's disease is most likely to be treated with drugs that:

Accepted Answer

Increase levels of dopamine.

Biological Psychology: Structure and Function of the Nervous System

Study Guide - Practice Questions