Question 1

Which of the following best describes the role of myelin in the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Myelin increases the speed of action potential transmission along the axon by insulating it.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Difficulty producing speech, but comprehension remains largely intact.

Question 3

Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with reward, motivation, and voluntary movement?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Question 4

During an action potential, which equation best represents the movement of sodium ions into the neuron?

Accepted Answer

$$\Delta V = V_{Na^+_{in}} - V_{rest}$$

Question 5

Which brain structure is most involved in forming new memories and learning facts?

Accepted Answer

Hippocampus

Question 6

A person is unable to perceive objects on the left side of their visual field after a stroke. Which lobe is most likely affected?

Accepted Answer

Right occipital lobe

Question 7

Which of the following best explains the difference between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters?

Accepted Answer

Excitatory neurotransmitters increase the likelihood a neuron will fire, while inhibitory neurotransmitters decrease it.

Question 8

Which imaging technique is best for tracking the timing of overall brain activity by measuring electrical signals on the scalp?

Accepted Answer

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Question 9

A drug acts as an antagonist for dopamine. What effect would this most likely have?

Accepted Answer

It would block or impede the normal activity of dopamine, potentially reducing reward-seeking behavior.

Question 10

Which of the following is a function of the hypothalamus?

Accepted Answer

Regulating hunger, thirst, and body temperature (homeostasis)

Question 11

Which process describes the recycling of neurotransmitters after they have been released into the synaptic cleft?

Accepted Answer

Reuptake

Question 12

Damage to the cerebellum would most likely result in which of the following symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Impaired coordination and balance, difficulty with precision timing of movements

Question 13

Which equation best represents the concept of resting potential in a neuron?

Accepted Answer

$$V_{rest} \approx -70\ \mathrm{mV}$$

Question 14

Which glial cell function is most directly related to the formation of myelin in the central nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Oligodendrocytes

Question 15

A person is experiencing symptoms of depression. Which neurotransmitter is most likely involved?

Accepted Answer

Serotonin

Question 16

Which brain division is responsible for basic life functions such as breathing and heart rate?

Accepted Answer

Hindbrain (brainstem: medulla, pons)

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the function of the corpus callosum?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 18

A person is unable to recall new facts after a head injury but can remember events from childhood. Which brain structure is most likely damaged?

Accepted Answer

Hippocampus

Question 19

Which neurotransmitter is most associated with muscle contraction and attention?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

The brain's ability to adapt and change by forming new connections and reorganizing itself.

Neurons, Neurotransmitters, and the Nervous System: Foundations of Biological Psychology

Study Guide - Practice Questions