Question 1

Phineas Gage's case is significant in psychology because it demonstrated the role of which brain region in personality and impulse control?

Accepted Answer

Frontal lobe

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the function of the myelin sheath in a neuron?

Accepted Answer

It increases the speed of electrical signal transmission along the axon.

Question 3

During an action potential, which ion primarily flows into the neuron, causing depolarization?

Accepted Answer

Sodium ($$Na^+)$$

Question 4

What is the correct sequence of events in synaptic signal transmission?

Accepted Answer

Neurotransmitter is manufactured, released into synaptic cleft, binds to post-synaptic receptors, causes changes in post-synaptic neuron.

Question 5

Which process describes the re-absorption of neurotransmitters back into the presynaptic neuron?

Accepted Answer

Reuptake

Question 6

A drug that mimics the action of a neurotransmitter by binding to its receptor is called a(n):

Accepted Answer

Agonist

Question 7

Which medication is an example of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression?

Accepted Answer

Prozac

Question 8

What is the main difference between neurotransmitters and hormones?

Accepted Answer

Neurotransmitters act locally and quickly at synapses; hormones travel through the bloodstream and act more slowly on distant targets.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes a reflex?

Accepted Answer

An automatic, involuntary response to a specific stimulus that does not require conscious thought.

Question 10

The split-brain procedure involves severing which structure to treat severe epilepsy?

Accepted Answer

Corpus callosum

Question 11

Which part of the brain is primarily responsible for relaying sensory messages to the cerebral cortex?

Accepted Answer

Thalamus

Question 12

After a stroke, a patient regains some lost functions through the brain's ability to reorganize itself. This phenomenon is known as:

Accepted Answer

Brain plasticity

Question 13

Which brain structure is most involved in regulating vital functions such as breathing and heart rate?

Accepted Answer

Medulla

Question 14

Damage to the hippocampus would most likely result in problems with:

Accepted Answer

Memory formation

Question 15

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

Accepted Answer

Occipital lobe

Question 16

A patient with damage to Broca's area in the frontal lobe would most likely experience:

Accepted Answer

Difficulty producing speech

Question 17

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 18

Which of the following is a function of the limbic system?

Accepted Answer

Processing emotions and memory

Question 19

If a drug blocks acetylcholine (ACh) receptors, what effect does it have?

Accepted Answer

It acts as an antagonist, preventing ACh from binding and activating the receptor.

Question 20

Which structure connects the two cerebral hemispheres and allows communication between them?

Accepted Answer

Corpus callosum

The Biological Basis of Psychology: Neurons, Brain Structure, and Function

Study Guide - Practice Questions