Question 1

Which of the following best describes the function of the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

It coordinates arousal and initiates the 'fight or flight' response during times of danger.

Question 2

A patient suffers from damage to Broca's area in the left frontal association area. Which symptom is most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Difficulty speaking or writing, with slow and labored speech.

Question 3

Which equation best represents the change in electrical charge during an action potential?

Accepted Answer

The membrane potential shifts from $$V_{rest}  0 as $$sodium ions ($$\mathrm{Na}^+) $$enter the axon.

Question 4

Which brain imaging technique is most appropriate for identifying which areas of the brain are active when a person is lying?

Accepted Answer

fMRI

Question 5

A person with damage to the right hemisphere of the cerebral cortex is most likely to experience which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Impaired ability to understand jokes, irony, and sarcasm.

Question 6

Which of the following best illustrates neuroplasticity?

Accepted Answer

The brain's ability to form new synaptic connections in response to learning.

Question 7

Which neurotransmitter is most closely associated with the brain's reward system and drug addiction?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Question 8

A patient is unable to recognize familiar faces but can identify people by their voices. This condition is most likely caused by damage to which area?

Accepted Answer

Association areas in the occipital and frontal lobes

Question 9

Which of the following is a function of the cerebellum?

Accepted Answer

Regulating posture, muscle tone, and muscular coordination.

Question 10

Which hormone is released by the pineal gland in response to daily variations in light and helps regulate sleep?

Accepted Answer

Melatonin

Question 11

Which equation best describes the all-or-nothing nature of action potentials?

Accepted Answer

If $$V_{membrane} \geq V_{threshold}$$, then an action potential occurs; otherwise, it does not.

Question 12

Which of the following best explains the effect of curare on the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Curare blocks acetylcholine receptor sites on muscles, preventing muscle activation and causing paralysis.

Question 13

Which of the following is a real-world example of the hot emotional system interfering with self-regulation?

Accepted Answer

Spending money impulsively on a new phone instead of saving for a car.

Question 14

Which brain structure acts as a final relay for sensory information (except smell) on its way to the cerebral cortex?

Accepted Answer

Thalamus

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the function of mirror neurons?

Accepted Answer

They become active when performing an action and when observing someone else perform the same action.

Question 16

Which equation best represents the correlation found between self-regulation in childhood and later adult outcomes?

Accepted Answer

If $$SR_{child} is $$high, then $$Outcome_{adult} is $$likely to be high; $$r \u003e 0$$

Question 17

Which of the following is a plausible outcome of damage to the reticular formation?

Accepted Answer

Loss of ability to regulate attention and alertness.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the role of the limbic system?

Accepted Answer

It controls emotion and memory, including rage, fear, and sexual response.

Question 19

Which equation best represents the relationship between the sympathetic nervous system and adrenal gland hormone release?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic activation $$\rightarrow$$ Adrenal glands release epinephrine ($$\mathrm{E}) $$and norepinephrine ($$\mathrm{NE})$$

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the function of the prefrontal cortex in self-regulation?

Accepted Answer

It coordinates executive functions such as planning, attention, and suppressing impulses.

Brain and Behavior: The Biological Foundations of Psychology

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