Question 1

Which part of the neuron is primarily responsible for receiving information from other neurons?

Accepted Answer

Dendrites

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Provide support, nourishment, and insulation to neurons

Question 3

A patient with multiple sclerosis is experiencing muscle weakness and coordination problems. Which cellular structure is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Myelin sheath

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Question 5

If a neuron is at rest, what is the charge distribution across its membrane?

Accepted Answer

Negative on inside, positive on outside

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 7

Which neurotransmitter is primarily inhibitory and helps calm neural activity, often targeted by anti-anxiety medications?

Accepted Answer

GABA

Question 8

Damage to which lobe of the brain would most likely result in difficulty recognizing faces (prosopagnosia)?

Accepted Answer

Occipital lobe

Question 9

Which process describes the brain’s ability to adapt and change, such as when London taxi drivers develop larger hippocampi?

Accepted Answer

Neural plasticity

Question 10

A person is unable to move their right arm after a stroke. Which area of the brain is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Left frontal lobe (motor cortex)

Question 11

Which neurotransmitter is involved in mood regulation, sleep, and is targeted by SSRIs for depression?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Question 12

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

Accepted Answer

Controls heartbeat, breathing, and blood pressure

Question 13

Which of the following best describes the role of the axon in a neuron?

Accepted Answer

Transmits electrical impulses away from the cell body

Question 14

If a neurotransmitter is not taken back into the presynaptic neuron and remains in the synaptic cleft, what is this process called?

Accepted Answer

Drifting away (diffusion)

Question 15

Which equation represents the net movement of sodium ions during the depolarization phase of an action potential?

Accepted Answer

$$I_{Na^+} = g_{Na^+} (V_{m} - E_{Na^+})$$

Question 16

Which brain structure is most involved in motor coordination and timing of movements?

Accepted Answer

Cerebellum

Question 17

A person with damage to the Wernicke’s area would most likely have difficulty with which function?

Accepted Answer

Understanding language

Question 18

Which neurotransmitter is most associated with learning and memory, and is excitatory?

Accepted Answer

Glutamate

Question 19

Which process involves the removal of unused neural connections, making the brain more efficient?

Accepted Answer

Pruning

Question 20

Which of the following is an example of an agonist drug effect?

Accepted Answer

A drug that blocks serotonin reuptake, increasing its effect

Biological psychology

Study Guide - Practice Questions