TestBank psychology around us 2nd edition comer ch04

Chapter: Chapter 04: Neuroscience

Multiple Choice

1. What technological advance allows scientists to study brain activity in healthy, awake
humans?
a) neuroimaging
b) lesioning
c) autopsy
d) psychoanalysis
Ans: a
Feedback A: Correct!
Feedback B: Lesioning refers to damaging the brain.
Feedback C: Autopsy occurs with a deceased participant.
Feedback D: This is a method of therapy.
Section Ref: How Do Scientists Study the Nervous System?
Learning Objective: Understand the key methods that scientists use to learn about brain anatomy
and function.
Difficulty: Easy

True/False

2. Past researchers avoided analyzing the brain largely for technical reasons.
Ans: True
Section Ref: How Do Scientists Study the Nervous System?
Learning Objective: Understand the key methods that scientists use to learn about brain anatomy
and function.
Difficulty: Easy

Fill-in-the-blank

3. An __________ measures brain wave activity from the surface of the scalp.


Ans: electroencephalogram
Section Ref: How Do Scientists Study the Nervous System?
Learning Objective: Understand the key methods that scientists use to learn about brain anatomy
and function.
Difficulty: Medium

Short Answer

4. What type of scientists study brain functionality by investigating patients with brain damage?
Ans: Neuropsychologists
Section Ref: How Do Scientists Study the Nervous System?
Learning Objective: Understand the key methods that scientists use to learn about brain anatomy
and function.
Difficulty: Hard

Multiple Choice

6. Which of the following brain study techniques cannot be used to investigate the human
brain?
a) lesioning
b) EEGs
c) autopsy examination
d) the study of brain damage
Ans: a
Feedback A: Correct!
Feedback B: Incorrect. Electrical activity can be recorded from the human scalp. Researchers
cannot destroy, or lesion, parts of the human brain.

Feedback C: Incorrect. Human brains can be examined during autopsies. Researchers cannot
destroy, or lesion, parts of the human brain.
Feedback D: Incorrect. Human brain damage patients can be studied. Researchers cannot
destroy, or lesion, parts of the human brain.
Section Ref: How Do Scientists Study the Nervous System?
Learning Objective: Understand the key methods that scientists use to learn about brain
anatomy and functioning.
Difficulty Level: Easy


7. Which of the following brain study techniques is CORRECTLY matched with a
disadvantage?
a) examining cases of brain damage -- tells little about how brain systems work while in use
b) autopsy study – cannot be used to investigate the human brain
c) EEG – only provides a summary of activity over a large area of tissue
d) lesioning – may not reflect the activity of the intact brain
Ans: c
Feedback A: Incorrect. The primary disadvantage of the study of brain damage is that it may
not provide an accurate indication of the functioning of the intact brain.
Feedback B: Incorrect. The main disadvantage of autopsy studies is that they tell us little
about how the brain works while it is alive and in use.
Feedback C: Correct!
Feedback D: Incorrect. The primary disadvantage of lesioning is that it cannot be used to
study the human brain.
Section Ref: How Do Scientists Study the Nervous System?
Learning Objective: Understand the key methods that scientists use to learn about brain
anatomy and functioning.
Difficulty Level: Medium

8. Which of the following brain study techniques is CORRECTLY matched with a description?

a) EEG – detects uptake of certain molecules in the brain
b) EEG – detects changes in blood flow in the brain
c) PET – detects uptake of certain molecules in the brain
d) fMRI – records brain’s electrical activity from the scalp
Ans: c
Feedback A: Incorrect. EEGs record the brain’s electrical activity from the scalp. PET scans
detect the uptake of certain molecules in the brain.
Feedback B: Incorrect. EEGs record the brain’s electrical activity from the scalp. fMRI
detects changes in blood flow in the brain.
Feedback C: Correct!
Feedback D: Incorrect. fMRI detects changes in blood flow in the brain. EEGs record the
brain’s electrical activity from the scalp.
Section Ref: How Do Scientists Study the Nervous System?
Learning Objective: Understand the key methods that scientists use to learn about brain
anatomy and functioning.
Difficulty Level: Medium

Pet scans and fMri enable researchers to ______.


a) damage specific regions of the brain
b) see what parts of the brain are active during certain tasks
c) measure hormone levels
d) determine which parts of the brain are shaped by genetics and which parts are shaped by
environmental experience.
Ans: b
Feedback A: Pet scans and fMri enable researchers to see what parts of the brain are active during certain
tasks.
Feedback B: Correct!
Feedback C: Pet scans and fMri enable researchers to see what parts of the brain are active during certain

tasks.
Feedback D: Pet scans and fMri enable researchers to see what parts of the brain are active during certain
tasks.
Section Ref: How Do Scientists Study the Nervous System?
Learning Objective: Understand the key methods that scientists use to learn about brain anatomy and
functioning.
Difficulty Level: Medium
Dr. Aquinas wants to investigate which areas of the brain are activated when people must make
quick decisions under stressful circumstances. Which neuroimaging technique should she use in
her study?
a) fMRi
b) cardiogram
c) x-rays
d) electroconvulsive therapy
Ans: a
Feedback A: Correct!
Feedback B: Dr. Aquinas should use the fMRi technique because she is interested in which regions of the
brain become activated during stressful experiences.
Feedback C: Dr. Aquinas should use the fMRi technique because she is interested in which regions of the
brain become activated during stressful experiences.
Feedback D: Dr. Aquinas should use the fMRi technique because she is interested in which regions of the
brain become activated during stressful experiences.
Section Ref: How Do Scientists Study the Nervous System?
Learning Objective: Understand the key methods that scientists use to learn about brain anatomy and
functioning.
Difficulty Level: Hard

What region of the brain is activated when we have to make a decision that is particularly
difficult?
a) The occipital lobe

b) The corpus callosum
c) The anterior cigulate
d) The hypothalamus


Ans: c
Feedback A: When we must make a difficult decision, the anterior cigulate is activated.
Feedback B: When we must make a difficult decision, the anterior cigulate is activated.
Feedback C: Correct!
Feedback D: When we must make a difficult decision, the anterior cigulate is activated.
Section Ref: How Do Scientists Study the Nervous System?
Learning Objective: Understand the key methods that scientists use to learn about brain anatomy and
functioning.
Difficulty Level: Medium
What region of the brain is activated when we process information about pain?
a) The occipital lobe
b) The corpus callosum
c) The anterior cigulate
d) The hippocampus
Ans: c
Feedback A: The occipital lobe processes information about vision not pain.
Feedback B: The corpus callosum is the thick band of fibers that connects the right and left hemispheres.
Feedback C: Correct!
Feedback D: The hippocampus plays an important role in memory, not in processing information about
pain.
Section Ref: How Do Scientists Study the Nervous System?
Learning Objective: Understand the key methods that scientists use to learn about brain anatomy and
functioning.
Difficulty Level: Hard

Fill-in-the-blank
The _______ is involved in decision-making and processing information about pain.
Ans: anterior cigulate
Section Ref: How Do Scientists Study the Nervous System?
Learning Objective: Understand the key methods that scientists use to learn about brain anatomy and
functioning.
Difficulty: Medium
True-False
The anterior cigulate is located in the ______.
a) occipital lobe
b) temporal lobe
c) parietal lobe
d) frontal lobe
Ans: d


Feedback A: The anterior cigulate is located in the front lobe not the occipital lobe.
Feedback B: The anterior cigulate is located in the front lobe not the temporal lobe.
Feedback C: The anterior cigulate is located in the front lobe not the parietal lobe.
Feedback D: Correct!
Section Ref: How Do Scientists Study the Nervous System?
Learning Objective: Understand the key methods that scientists use to learn about brain anatomy and
functioning.
Difficulty: Hard

9. Which of the following is identified as a neuroimaging technique in your text?
a) autopsy study
b) EEGs
c) lesioning
d) PET

Ans: d
Feedback A: Incorrect. Autopsy study is not a brain imaging technique. PET is a
neuroimaging method.
Feedback B: Incorrect. Recording EEGs is not a brain imaging technique. PET is a
neuroimaging method.
Feedback C: Incorrect. Lesioning is not a brain imaging technique. PET is a neuroimaging
method.
Feedback D: Correct!
Section Ref: How Do Scientists Study the Nervous System?
Learning Objective: Understand the key methods that scientists use to learn about brain
anatomy and functioning.
Difficulty Level: Easy
Essay
Is there a neurological explanation for why we often find making a choice under doubtful
circumstances to be emotionally difficult?
Ans: When we are forced to make decisions under unsure circumstances, the anterior cigulate is
activated. Since the anterior cigulate is also involved in processing information about pain, it is
not surprising that we often find making a choice under doubtful circumstances to be emotionally
difficult.
Section Ref: How Do Scientists Study the Nervous System?
Learning Objective: Understand the key methods that scientists use to learn about brain anatomy and
functioning.
Difficulty: Medium

Essay
Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain how communication in
the nervous system works.
And: The nervous system is made of of neurons and glia cells. Neurons are connected to other

neurons, thus forming a neural network. Neurons communicate with one another through
electrochemical events. A sudden change in the electrical charge of an axon (action potential)
causes it to release a neurotransmitter that can be received by other neurons.
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain
how communication in the nervous system works.
Difficulty: Hard
10. What is the fundamental unit of the nervous system?
a) neuron
b) glia
c) axon
d) nuclei
Ans: a
Feedback A: Correct!
Feedback B: Non-neuronal cells that support neural activity
Feedback C: Carry information away from the cell body
Feedback D: Term for more than one nucleus
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain
how communication in the nervous system works.
Difficulty: Easy

Fill-in-the-blank

12. The branch-like structures that extend away from the cell body to receive impulses from
other neurons are called __________.
Ans: dendrites
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain
how communication in the nervous system works.

Difficulty: Easy

Short Answer


13. Approximately how many neurons are housed in the adult, human brain?
Ans: Approximately 100 billion
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain
how communication in the nervous system works.
Difficulty: Hard

Essay

14. Describe how messages enter and leave a neuron.
Ans: Messages are received by the dendrites then transported to the cell body for processing.
From the cell body, messages leave the neuron through the axon.
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain
how communication in the nervous system works.
Difficulty: Hard

Multiple Choice

15. Which of the following is not a part of the human nervous system?
a) astrocyte
b) astroglia
c) adrenal
d) microglia
Ans: c

Feedback A: A category of glia
Feedback B: A category of glia
Feedback C: Gland that is part of the endocrine system.
Feedback D: A category of glia
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain
how communication in the nervous system works.
Difficulty: Medium


True/False

16. There are a greater number of neurons than glial cells in the human nervous system.
Ans: False
Feedback: Glia outnumber neurons by up to a factor of 10
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain
how communication in the nervous system works.
Difficulty: Hard

Fill-in-the-blank

17. Astroglial cells provide neurons with important growth-promoting molecules called
__________.
Ans: trophic factors
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Name the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and describe the
primary functions of each.
Difficulty: Medium

Essay

19. What is the primary function of the oligodendroglia?
Ans: Cells produce myelin that insulates axons from nearby neurons. This is associated with
effective transfer of electrical signals down the axon.
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain
how communication in the nervous system works.
Difficulty: Hard


Multiple Choice

20. The fundamental units of the nervous system are nerve cells, called ______
a) axons
b) glia
c) neurons
d) neurotransmitters
Ans: c
Feedback A: Incorrect. Nerve cells are called neurons. An axon is part of a neuron.
Feedback B: Incorrect. Nerve cells are called neurons. Glia are another type of cell in the
nervous system.
Feedback C: Correct!
Feedback D: Incorrect. Nerve cells are called neurons. Neurotransmitters are chemicals by
which neurons communicate with each other.
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain
how communication in the nervous system works.
Difficulty Level: Easy

21. The nervous system contains not only neurons, but also other cells called ___________.
a) axons
b) glia
c) dendrites
d) myelin cells
Ans: b
Feedback A: Incorrect. Glia are the other type of cell in the nervous system. An axon is part
of a neuron.
Feedback B: Correct!
Feedback C: Incorrect. Glia are the other type of cell in the nervous system. A dendrite is
part of a neuron.
Feedback D: Incorrect. Glia are the other type of cell in the nervous system. Myelin coats the
axons of neurons; there are no “myelin cells” in the nervous system.
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain
how communication in the nervous system works.
Difficulty Level: Easy

22. According to your text, about how many neurons does the nervous system contain?


a) 1 billion
b) 10 billion
c) 100 billion
d) 1 trillion
Ans: c
Feedback A: Incorrect. The text states that there are 100 billion neurons, not 1 billion.
Feedback B: Incorrect. The text states that there are 100 billion neurons, not 10 billion.
Feedback C: Correct!
Feedback D: Incorrect. The text states that there are 100 billion neurons, not 1 trillion.

Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain
how communication in the nervous system works.
Difficulty Level: Medium

23. Which structures are especially important for communication between one neuron and
another?
a) axons only
b) dendrites only
c) axons and dendrites
d) axons, dendrites, and glia
Ans: c
Feedback A: Incorrect. Both dendrites and axons are involved in the communication between
one neuron and another.
Feedback B: Incorrect. Both dendrites and axons are involved in the communication between
one neuron and another.
Feedback C: Correct!
Feedback D: Incorrect. Only dendrites and axons are involved in the communication between
one neuron and another. Glia are not.
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain
how communication in the nervous system works.
Difficulty Level: Easy

24. Perhaps the main reason that neurons can communicate over relatively great distances
within the body is the fact that neurons contain:
a) a long axon
b) a large cell body
c) many dendrites
d) a variety of neurotransmitters

Ans: a
Feedback A: Correct!
Feedback B: Incorrect. Some neurons can communicate over great distances because of their
long axons, not because of the size of the cell body.
Feedback C: Incorrect. Some neurons can communicate over great distances because of their
long axons, not because of their many dendrites.
Feedback D: Incorrect. Some neurons can communicate over great distances because of their
long axons, not because of the neurotransmitters they use.
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain
how communication in the nervous system works.
Difficulty Level: Medium

25. The branch-like fibers extending in clusters from the neuron’s cell body are called
________.
a) axons
b) nodes of Ranvier
c) glia
d) dendrites
Ans: d
Feedback A: Incorrect. The branch-like fibers extending from the neuron’s cell body are
called dendrites. An axon is a single long process extending from the cell body.
Feedback B: Incorrect. The branch-like fibers extending from the neuron’s cell body are
called dendrites. Nodes of Ranvier are unmyelinated portions of the axon.
Feedback C: Incorrect. The branch-like fibers extending from the neuron’s cell body are
called dendrites. Glia are other cells in the nervous system.
Feedback D: Correct!
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?

Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain
how communication in the nervous system works.
Difficulty Level: Easy

26. Compare your forearm, hand, and fingers to a neuron. Using such a metaphor, the dendrites
are to your _________ as the axon is to your ________.
a) fingers; hand
b) fingers; forearm
c) knuckles; hand
d) knuckles; forearm
Ans: b
Feedback A: Incorrect. Your hand is analogous to the cell body, not the axon. The axon is


analogous to your forearm.
Feedback B: Correct!
Feedback C: Incorrect. The dendrites are analogous to your fingers, not your knuckles. Your
hand is analogous to the cell body, not the axon. The axon is analogous to your forearm.
Feedback D: Incorrect. The dendrites are analogous to your fingers, not your knuckles.
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain
how communication in the nervous system works.
Difficulty Level: Medium

27. An axon is a(n):
a) neuron’s cell body
b) branch-like fiber extending in clusters from a neuron’s cell body
c) support cell in the nervous system
d) long, tube-like structure extending from a neuron’s cell body
Ans: d

Feedback A: Incorrect. An axon is a long structure extending from the cell body.
Feedback B: Incorrect. An axon is a long structure extending from the cell body. The
branch-like fibers are dendrites.
Feedback C: Incorrect. An axon is a long structure extending from the cell body. Glia are the
support cells in the nervous system.
Feedback D: Correct!
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain
how communication in the nervous system works.
Difficulty Level: Easy

28. Dendrite is to axon as _________ is to _________.
a) receiving; sending
b) sending; receiving
c) glial cell; neuron
d) neuron; glial cell
Ans: a
Feedback A: Correct!
Feedback B: Incorrect. Dendrites receive, rather than send, information. Axons send, rather
than receive, information.
Feedback C: Incorrect. Dendrites and axons are both parts of a neuron, not a glial cell.
Dendrites receive information, while axons send information.
Feedback D: Incorrect. Dendrites and axons are both parts of a neuron, not a glial cell.
Dendrites receive information, while axons send information.


Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain
how communication in the nervous system works.
Difficulty Level: Medium

29. Which of the following sequences accurately reflects the route followed by nerve impulses
when one neuron communicates with another?
a) dendrite axon cell body
b) dendrite cell body axon
c) axon cell body dendrite
d) axon dendrite cell body
Ans: b
Feedback A: Correct!
Feedback B: Incorrect. Information is integrated in the cell body before it is sent along an
axon.
Feedback C: Incorrect. Dendrites receive information. It is then integrated in the cell body
before it is sent along the axon.
Feedback D: Incorrect. Dendrites receive information. It is then integrated in the cell body
before it is sent along the axon.
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain
how communication in the nervous system works.
Difficulty Level: Medium

30. Regarding the similarities and differences among neurons, which of the following
statements is CORRECT?
a) Neurons are all approximately the same size.
b) Neurons vary in the number of axons they contain.
c) Neurons all have about the same number of dendrites.
d) All neurons can produce and send electrical signals.
Ans: d
Feedback A: Incorrect. Neurons vary in size, but they all produce and send electrical signals.
Feedback B: Incorrect. Neurons contain one axon, and they all produce and send electrical
signals.

Feedback C: Incorrect. Different neurons have different numbers of dendrites, but they all
produce and send electrical signals.
Feedback D: Correct!
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain
how communication in the nervous system works.


Difficulty Level: Medium

31. As compared to neurons, glia are:
a) less numerous
b) equally numerous
c) slightly more numerous
d) much more numerous
Ans: d
Feedback A: Incorrect. There are ten times as many glia as neurons.
Feedback B: Incorrect. There are ten times as many glia as neurons.
Feedback C: Incorrect. There are ten times as many glia as neurons.
Feedback D: Correct!
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain
how communication in the nervous system works.
Difficulty Level: Medium

32. Which of the following provides BOTH the correct name AND the correct function of one
of the types of glia?
a) astroglia – clean up the debris of dead cells
b) oligodendroglia – provide the myelin sheath
c) microglia – create the blood-brain barrier

d) macroglia – clean up the debris of dead cells
Ans: b
Feedback A: Incorrect. Astroglia create the blood-brain barrier. The debris of dead cells is
removed by microglia.
Feedback B: Correct!
Feedback C: Incorrect. Microglia clean up the debris of dead cells. The blood-brain barrier is
created by astroglia.
Feedback D: Incorrect. There are no glia called “macroglia.”
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain
how communication in the nervous system works.
Difficulty Level: Hard

33. Electrical wires are generally protected by a tube of plastic. A similar insulating function
is performed in the nervous system by:
a) myelin


b) glia
c) nodes of Ranvier
d) vesicles
Ans: a
Feedback A: Correct!
Feedback B: Incorrect. Myelin insulates axons. Certain glia create myelin.
Feedback C: Incorrect. Myelin insulates axons. The nodes of Ranvier are the unmyelinated
portions of axons.
Feedback D: Incorrect. Myelin insulates axons. The vesicles in the axon terminals contain
neurotransmitters.
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain

how communication in the nervous system works.
Difficulty Level: Medium

34. What is the resting potential of a neuron?
a) –100 millivolts
b) –70 millivolts
c) 50 millivolts
d) 100 millivolts
Ans: b
Feedback A: Charge is correct, but value is incorrect.
Feedback B: Correct!
Feedback C: Resting potential reads a negative charge.
Feedback D: Resting potential reads a negative charge.
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain
how communication in the nervous system works.
Difficulty: Hard

True/False

35. At resting potential, the extracellular fluid surrounding neurons does not contain ions.
Ans: False
Feedback: Both extracellular and intercellular fluid contain ions. During resting potential, there
are more negatively charged ions in the fluid inside the neuron than outside.
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?


Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain
how communication in the nervous system works.
Difficulty: Medium

Fill-in-the-blank

36. The openings in the neuron membrane that only allow passage of certain ions are called
__________.
Ans: ion channels
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain
how communication in the nervous system works.
Difficulty: Medium

Short Answer

37. Which positively charged ions pass through the ion channels?
Ans: Sodium and potassium
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain
how communication in the nervous system works.
Difficulty: Hard

Essay

38. Describe the all-or-none principle.
Ans: For a neuron to fire, the stimulation reaching it must exceed a certain threshold, otherwise it
won’t fire.
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain
how communication in the nervous system works.

Difficulty: Medium

Multiple Choice

39. In what regions is the surface of the axon exposed to the extracellular fluid?
a) ion channels
b) nodes of Ranvier
c) refractory
d) axon Hillock
Ans: b
Feedback A: Pores in the neuronal membrane that allow passage of certain ions
Feedback B: Correct!
Feedback C: Period of time that a neuron cannot fire
Feedback D: Area where the action potential begins
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain
how communication in the nervous system works.
Difficulty: Hard

True/False

40. Immediately following an action potential, a neuron is ready to fire again.
Ans: False
Feedback: Neurons have refractory periods during which they cannot fire.
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain
how communication in the nervous system works.
Difficulty: Hard

Fill-in-the-blank

41. Physical gaps between neurons are called __________.


Ans: synapses
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain
how communication in the nervous system works.
Difficulty: Easy

Short Answer

42. What chemicals travel from neuron to neuron across synapses?
Ans: Neurotransmitters
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain
how communication in the nervous system works.
Difficulty: Medium

Essay

43. What is the significance of the lock and key metaphor?
Ans: Neurotransmitter receptors on the post-synaptic neuron will only receive a neurotransmitter
if it fits the physical structure of the receptor.
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain
how communication in the nervous system works.
Difficulty: Hard

Multiple Choice

44. A neuron’s resting potential is _____ mV, reflecting the higher concentration of ______
ions outside the cell.
a) –70; chloride
b) –70; sodium


c) +50; chloride
d) +50; sodium
Ans: b
Feedback A: Incorrect. The resting potential reflects the higher concentration of sodium, not
chloride, outside the cell.
Feedback B: Correct!
Feedback C: Incorrect. A neuron’s resting potential is –70 mV, not +50 mV. The resting
potential reflects the higher concentration of sodium – not chloride -- outside the cell.
Feedback D: Incorrect. A neuron’s resting potential is –70 mV, not +50 mV.
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain
how communication in the nervous system works.
Difficulty Level: Medium

45. An action potential is a sudden ______ change in the electrical charge of a neuron’s
_________.
a) positive; axon
b) positive; dendrites
c) negative; axon
d) negative; dendrites
Ans: a
Feedback A: Correct!
Feedback B: Incorrect. An action potential is a sudden positive change in the electrical charge

of a neuron’s axon, not its dendrites.
Feedback C: Incorrect. An action potential is a sudden positive, not a negative, change in the
electrical charge of a neuron’s axon.
Feedback D: Incorrect. An action potential is a sudden positive, not a negative, change in the
electrical charge of a neuron’s axon – not its dendrites.
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain
how communication in the nervous system works.
Difficulty Level: Easy

46. During an action potential, ________ ions rush into a neuron, ultimately resulting in a
charge of about ______ mV.
a) chloride; -70
b) calcium; -70
c) sodium; +50
d) potassium; +50


Ans: c
Feedback A: Incorrect. During an action potential, sodium ions rush into a neuron, ultimately
resulting in a charge of about +50 mV.
Feedback B: Incorrect. During an action potential, sodium ions rush into a neuron, ultimately
resulting in a charge of about +50 mV.
Feedback C: Correct!
Feedback D: Incorrect. During an action potential, sodium, not potassium, ions rush into a
neuron, ultimately resulting in a charge of about +50 mV.
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain
how communication in the nervous system works.
Difficulty Level: Medium

47. How is a neuron’s resting potential restored after an action potential has passed a particular
segment of the axon?
a) Sodium ions are pumped into the cell.
b) Chloride ions are pumped into the cell.
c) Sodium ions are pumped out of the cell.
d) Potassium ions are pumped out of the cell.
Ans: d
Feedback A: Incorrect. After an action potential has passed a particular point along the axon,
potassium ions are pumped out of the cell, restoring the resting potential.
Feedback B: Incorrect. After an action potential has passed a particular point along the axon,
potassium ions are pumped out of the cell, restoring the resting potential.
Feedback C: Incorrect. After an action potential has passed a particular point along the axon,
potassium ions are pumped out of the cell, restoring the resting potential.
Feedback D: Correct!
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain
how communication in the nervous system works.
Difficulty Level: Hard

48. Angie has painstakingly made some neuroscience flashcards to help her study group
prepare for an upcoming test. Brent picks up a card. “Nodes of Ranvier” is written on the
front. Which of the following phrases should he see when he turns over the card?
a) the myelinated portions of an axon
b) the unmyelinated portions of an axon
c) spheres in an axon terminal from which neurotransmitters are released
d) a group of neurons within a neural network
Ans: b

Feedback A: Incorrect. The nodes of Ranvier are the unmyelinated, not the myelinated,
portions of an axon.
Feedback B: Correct!
Feedback C: Incorrect. The nodes of Ranvier are the unmyelinated portions of an axon.
Vesicles are the spheres in the axon terminal from which neurotransmitters are released.
Feedback D: Incorrect. The nodes of Ranvier are the unmyelinated portions of an axon.
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain
how communication in the nervous system works.
Difficulty Level: Medium

49. Which of the following statements is TRUE with respect to an axon’s ability to fire
immediately following an action potential?
a) The axon cannot fire during the absolute refractory period. It can fire during the relative
refractory period no matter how strong the stimulus is.
b) The axon cannot fire during either the absolute or the relative refractory period
c) The axon can fire during either the absolute or the relative refractory period no matter how
strong the stimulus is.
d) The axon cannot fire during the absolute refractory period. It can fire during the relative
refractory period given a strong enough stimulus.
Ans: d
Feedback A: Incorrect. An axon can only fire during the relative refractory period if it is
strong enough.
Feedback B: Incorrect. An axon can fire during the relative refractory period, provided it is
strong enough.
Feedback C: Incorrect. The axon cannot fire during the absolute refractory period. It can fire
during the relative refractory period given a strong enough stimulus.
Feedback D: Correct!
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain

how communication in the nervous system works.
Difficulty Level: Hard

50. Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding action potentials?
a) The strength of action potentials can vary dramatically.
b) Action potentials occur at a constant rate.
c) The strength of action potentials does not vary.
d) Regardless of their rate of occurrence, action potentials fire at a steady rhythm.
Ans: c
Feedback A: Incorrect. Action potentials are an all-or-none phenomenon: Their intensity is


not graded.
Feedback B: Incorrect. Action potentials can occur at varying rates.
Feedback C: Correct!
Feedback D: Incorrect. Action potentials can fire at both regular and irregular tempos.
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain
how communication in the nervous system works.
Difficulty Level: Medium

51. A synapse is a:
a) chemical
b) signal
c) joint
d) gap
Ans: d
Feedback A: Incorrect. A synapse is a small space or gap between one neuron and the next.
Feedback B: Incorrect. A synapse is a small space or gap between one neuron and the next.
Feedback C: Incorrect. A synapse is a small space or gap between one neuron and the next.

Feedback D: Correct!
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain
how communication in the nervous system works.
Difficulty Level: Easy

52. Neurotransmitter receptors are found on the _______ of _____ neurons.
a) nodes of Ranvier; presynaptic
b) axons; presynaptic
c) axons; postsynaptic
d) dendrites; postsynaptic
Ans: d
Feedback A: Incorrect. Neurotransmitter receptors are found on the dendrites of postsynaptic
neurons.
Feedback B: Incorrect. Neurotransmitter receptors are found on the dendrites of postsynaptic
neurons, not the axons of presynaptic neurons.
Feedback C: Incorrect. Neurotransmitter receptors are found on the dendrites, not the axons,
of postsynaptic neurons.
Feedback D: Correct!
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain
how communication in the nervous system works.


Difficulty Level: Medium

53. With respect to neurotransmission, release is to receive as _____ is to _______.
a) postsynaptic; presynaptic
b) dendrite; axon
c) vesicle; receptor

d) receptor; vesicle
Ans: c
Feedback A: Incorrect. Receptor sites on the dendrites of the postsynaptic neurons receive
rather than release neurotransmitters. Vesicles in the axon terminals of the presynaptic neurons
release rather than receive neurotransmitters.
Feedback B: Incorrect. Receptor sites on the dendrites receive rather than release
neurotransmitters. Vesicles in the axon terminals release rather than receive neurotransmitters.
Feedback C: Correct!
Feedback D: Incorrect. Receptors receive rather than release neurotransmitters. Vesicles
release rather than receive neurotransmitters.
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain
how communication in the nervous system works.
Difficulty Level: Medium

54. A certain neurotransmitter receptor receives an excitatory neurotransmitter called
dopamine. Based on your text’s discussion, which of the following statements is most likely
true concerning this receptor’s action?
a) This receptor can probably receive only dopamine.
b) This receptor can probably receive any neurotransmitter.
c) This receptor can probably receive not only dopamine, but a few other excitatory
neurotransmitters as well.
d) This receptor can probably receive any excitatory neurotransmitter.
Ans: a
Feedback A: Correct!
Feedback B: Incorrect. Receptors respond only to a specific neurotransmitter, such as
dopamine.
Feedback C: Incorrect. Receptors respond only to a specific neurotransmitter, such as
dopamine.
Feedback D: Incorrect. Receptors respond only to a specific neurotransmitter, such as

dopamine.
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain
how communication in the nervous system works.


Difficulty Level: Medium

55. Which of the following statements accurately captures a contrast between action potentials
and postsynaptic potentials?
a) Action potentials may be graded in strength. Postsynaptic potentials are all-or-none events.
b) Action potentials can become stronger or weaker with experience. Postsynaptic potentials
cannot.
c) Whereas action potentials are depolarizing, postsynaptic potentials may be either depolarizing
or hyperpolarizing.
d) Whereas action potentials are depolarizing, postsynaptic potentials are hyperpolarizing.
Ans: c
Feedback A: Incorrect. Action potentials are all-or-none events; they are not graded in
strength. Postsynaptic potentials may be graded in strength.
Feedback B: Incorrect. Action potentials cannot become stronger or weaker with experience,
whereas postsynaptic potentials can.
Feedback C: Correct!
Feedback D: Incorrect. Postsynaptic potentials may be either depolarizing or hyperpolarizing.
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain
how communication in the nervous system works.
Difficulty Level: Hard

56. Which of the following terms is used to refer to change in the nervous system?
a) malleability

b) mutability
c) adaptability
d) plasticity
Ans: d
Feedback A: Incorrect. Change in the nervous system is called plasticity, not malleability.
Feedback B: Incorrect. Change in the nervous system is called plasticity, not mutability.
Feedback C: Incorrect. Change in the nervous system is called plasticity, not adaptability.
Feedback D: Correct!
Section Ref: How Does the Nervous System Work?
Learning Objective: Describe the two major types of cells in the nervous system, and explain
how communication in the nervous system works.
Difficulty Level: Easy

57. Collections of neurons that communicate with one another are called ________.