Exam 1 Quizzes

The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee is formed by the animal rights representatives. A. True B. False

B

Acetylcholine (ACh) is the main transmitter used at mammalian A. spinal cord synapses. B. neuromuscular junctions. C. cerebral cortical synapses. D. visual system synapses.

B

An argument against using computer models rather than animal models is: A. All of these are good arguments against using computer models B. you must understand what you are modeling before you can make a good model C. computer models are outdated D. computers aren't that useful in neuroscience research

B

At which level of analysis do neuroscientists study the different types of neurons and their functions? A. Cognitive neuroscience B. Cellular neuroscience C. Molecular neuroscience D. Behavioral neuroscience

B

Axons of the nervous system are described as afferent and efferent according to the direction in which they carry information. Which of the following represents an efferent projection? A. Sensory input to the spinal cord B. Motor output of the spinal cord C. Sensory input to the spinal cord, Motor output of the spinal cord, Interneurons in the spinal cord D. Interneurons in the spinal cord

B

Which of the following statements are true about transporters? Select all that apply. A. They are large proteins that span cell membranes B. They pack transmitter into synaptic vesicles C. They only transport glutamate D. They shuttle transmitter from extracellular fluid to the presynaptic terminal E. They are the molecular site at which many psychoactive drugs work

A, B, D, E

An example of an observation in the scientific process would be (select all that apply): A. cutting nerve fibers to see what happens to movement B. repeating an experiment on a different group of patients C. lesioning the hippocampus to see what happens to memory D. verifying an observation

A, C

The following are characterized by progressive degeneration of specific neurons in the brain (Select all that apply): A. Alzheimer's disease B. Autism C. Parkinson's disease D. Epilepsy

A, C

Which of the following are true? A. A neuron's physiology is determined by the number and type of ion channels it has. B. A neuron's physiology is determined by it's dendrites. C. Most pyramidal cells cannot sustain steady firing rates. D. All neurons show similar electrical behavior.

A, C

A neuroscientist investigates how different neural circuits in the brain analyze sensory information, form perceptions of the external world, make decisions, and execute movements. At what level of analysis is this research conducted? A. Cellular neuroscience level B. Molecular neuroscience level C. Systems neuroscience level D. Cognitive neuroscience level

C

A simple reflex requires the nervous system to perform three functions. Two of these functions are to collect and distribute information. What is the third function? A. Process information B. Disintegrate information C. Integrate information D. Translate information

C

For what purpose did Franz Joseph Gall study the dimensions of the human head? A. To show that unique human mental capabilities exist outside the brain. B. To show that nerves conduct electrical signals to and from the brain. C. To understand the propensity for certain personality traits. D. To demonstrate equal participation of all regions of the brain in all cerebral functions.

C

How do the lipids of the neuronal membrane contribute to the neuronal membrane potential? A. Encourages chemical interactions with water B. Integrates cytosol of neuron with extracellular fluid C. Forms a barrier to water-soluble ions and water D. Catalyzes chemical reactions

C

In the cerebral cortex, layer 5 is especially noticeable because it A. is a different color from the rest. B. is quite variable from region to region. C. contains many large cell bodies. D. contains many fibers.

C

In the mammalian brain, the major inhibitory neurotransmitter is A. glycine. B. serotonin. C. GABA. D. acetylcholine.

C

Primary sensory neurons: A. command movement B. are the most abundant cells in the brain C. have neurites in the sensory sensory surfaces of the body D. form connections only with other neurons

C

Some neurons have long axon that stretches from one part of the CNS to another. What are these called? A. Golgi type II neurons B. Interneurons C. Golgi type I neurons D. Motor neurons

C

The mode of action potential propagation along myelinated axons is called A. oligodendroid B. hyperian C. saltatory D. ranvierian.

C

The ridges of tissue on the convoluted surface of the cortex are called A. sulci. B. ganglia. C. gyri. D. nuclei.

C

What are transporters? What is their role? A. Synthesizing enzymes for both amino acid and amine neurotransmitters; responsible for concentrating neurotransmitters inside the vesicle B. Enzymes that synthesize neurotransmitters from metabolic precursors; responsible for concentrating neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft C. Special proteins embedded in the vesicle membrane; responsible for concentrating neurotransmitters inside the vesicle D. Special proteins embedded in the vesicle membrane; responsible for synthesizing neurotransmitters

C

What is a primary function of MAPs? A. Regulate the function and assembly of cytoskeleton B. Regulate the function and assembly of neurofilaments C. Regulate the function and assembly of microtubules D. Regulate the function and assembly of microfilaments

C

What is the absolute refractory period? A. The period when it is difficult to initiate another action potential for several milliseconds due to sodium channel inactivation. B. The period when the membrane potential stays hyperpolarized until the voltage-gated potassium channels close. C. The time period of 1 msec after one action potential is initiated and before the next one is initiated. D. The period when the firing frequency is at about 1000 Hz.

C

What is the function of a neurotransmitter receptor in the dendritic membrane? A. Release synaptic vesicles B. Destroy extra neurotransmitter left in the synaptic cleft C. Detect neurotransmitters D. Form gap junctions

C

What is the rationale behind the use of animal models to understand the human brain? A. Brain mechanisms that motivate any reaction are identical in animal and human brains. B. Animal brains are easier to obtain than human brains. C. The nervous systems of different species of animals and humans share many common mechanisms. D. Animal brains are identical to human brains but only smaller in size.

C

What property of the voltage-gated potassium channels allows K+ ions to pass? A. The voltage-gated potassium channels open when the polypeptide sub-units are disinhibited. B. Depolarization causes the subunits to disintegrate so K+ ions can pass through the membrane. C. Depolarization causes the four polypeptide subunits specific to the voltage-gated K+ channel to twist into a shape that allows the K+ ions to pass. D. Two polypeptide subunits are synthesized when the membrane is depolarized, allowing the K+ ions to pass.

C

Which membrane lies closest to the brain? A. Dura mater B. Arachnoid C. Pia mater D. Meninges

C

Which of the following are a function of microglia? A. Myelination of neurons B. Release acetylcholine C. Remodeling synaptic connections D. Both A and C

C

Which of the following are the major charge carriers involved in the conduction of electricity in neurons? A. Anions B. Cations C. Ions D. Proteins

C

Which of the following factors determines the ion selectivity of specific ion channels? A. Number of ion channels in the membrane B. Gating properties C. Nature of the groups lining the ion channel D. Number of protein molecules assembling to form a pore

C

Which of the following mediates vital bodily functions? A. Cerebrum B. Meninges C. Brain stem D. Cerebellum

C

Why are neuromuscular junctions such reliable synapses? A. Because the axon terminal is so large B. Because the motor end-plate contains a series of shallow folds C. Because the axon terminal is so large; the presynaptic terminal contains a large number of active zones and the motor end-plate contains a series of shallow folds D. Because the presynaptic terminal contains a large number of active zones

C

"Spiny" and "aspinous" refers to a property of A. astrocytes B. axon length C. myelin D. dendrites

D

"Spiny" and "aspinous" refers to a property of A. axon length B. myelin C. astrocytes D. dendrites

D

An agonist A. only works on GABA receptors B. blocks the effects of a neurotransmitter C. breaks down acteylcholine D. mimics the effects of a neurotransmitter

D

Dendrites do not generate action potentials because A. they have too many potassium channels. B. there are too many of them. C. they are not myelinated. D. they have few voltage-gated sodium channels.

D

Galen's study of sheep brains was the basis for a theory of brain function that prevailed for almost 1500 years. Which of the following represents this view? A. Parceling the cerebrum into lobes B. The heart is the center of intellect and the brain is the cooling system C. Mind brain duality D. Ventricular localization of brain function

D

How do neuroscientists identify the parts of the brain that are specialized for different behavioral functions related to the niche a species normally occupies? A. By studying the similarities in response pattern to fear in different species B. By studying neurons one at a time C. By systematically destroying each part of the brain and studying its implication D. By comparing the specializations of the brains of different species

D

How does myelin help increase conduction velocity? A. It contains voltage-gated sodium channels. B. It makes the membrane more excitable. C. It increases axonal diameter. D. It provides electrical insulation.

D

How many distinct layers are observed in the human neocortex? A. One B. Three C. About one million D. Six

D

In which plane of section would it be easiest to see the corpus callosum? A. Coronal cut at the level of the cerebellum B. Horizontal cut at the level of the brainstem C. Sagittal cut at the level of the temporal lobe D. Sagittal cut directly down the midline

D

Myelin increases the speed of conduction because it A. releases special chemicals that aid conduction. B. offers little resistance to the flow of ionic current. C. increases capacitance. D. offers considerable resistance to the flow of current.

D

On what basis did Broca defend functional localization of the brain? A. By establishing a relationship between the production of speech and the right frontal lobe B. By establishing a relationship between the production of speech and the occipital lobe C. By establishing a relationship between the production of speech and the cerebellum D. By establishing a relationship between the production of speech and the left frontal lobe

D

Some neurons have long axon that stretches from one part of the CNS to another. What are these called? A. Interneurons B. Golgi type II neurons C. Motor neurons D. Golgi type I neurons

D

The NMDA receptor is a type of receptor for the neurotransmitter A. acetylcholine. B. GABA. C. dopamine. D. glutamate.

D

The brain and spinal cord are wrapped in protective membranes known collectively as the A. myelin. B. pia mater. C. dura mater. D. meninges.

D

The brainstem contains which of the following structures? A. Central sulcus B. Inferior colliculus C. Corpus callosum D. Medulla

D

The combined work of Bell and Magendie revealed a fundamental fact about the spinal nerves. A. Spinal nerves are not hollow tubes carrying fluid. B. Both humans and animals have spinal nerves. C. Spinal nerves are myelinated. D. Spinal nerves are bundles of sensory and motor nerves and in each sensory and motor nerve fiber transmission is strictly one-way.

D

The left and right portions of the body are divided by the _______ plane. A. frontal B. coronal C. horizontal D. sagittal

D

The major function of Schwann cells is the A. transmission of nutrients to neurons. B. scavenging of cellular debris. C. myelination of axons in the brain. D. myelination of peripheral nerve fibers.

D

The primary function of oligodendroglia is: A. myelinate cells in the peripheral nervous system B. regulate chemical content of extracellular space C. remove debris left by dead or degenerating brain cells D. myelinate neuron in the brain and spinal cord

D

What is meant by the action potential threshold? A. The action potential threshold is the same as the generator potential B. Critical level of hyperpolarization required to trigger an action potential C. Critical level at which electrical current is injected through a microelectrode D. Critical level of depolarization required to trigger an action potential

D

What is resting membrane potential? A. Positive charge inside the membrane with respect to outside at rest B. Isolation of the cytosol from extracellular fluid C. Generation and conduction of action potential at rest D. Difference in electrical charge across the membrane at rest

D

What is unusual about endocannabinoids or endogenous cannabinoids? A. They contain a chemical structure called catechol. B. They play an important role in the brain systems that regulate mood. C. They float in the membrane like adenylyl cyclase. D. They are retrograde messengers by which postsynaptic neurons act on presynaptic terminals.

D

What type of channel is affected by tetrodotoxin (TTX)? A. TTX sensitizes voltage-gated Na+ ion channels. B. TTX blocks Cl- ion channels. C. K+ channels are blocked by TTX. D. TTX blocks the Na+ channel by binding tightly to a specific sight on the outside of the channel.

D

What types of cells can a neuron communicate with at a synapse? A. Muscle cell B. Glandular cell C. Another neuron D. Another neuron; Muscle cell; Glandular cell

D

Where is CSF produced? A. Subarachnoid space B. Diencephalon C. Arachnoid villi D. Choroid plexus in the cerebral ventricles

D

Which of the following statements about multiple sclerosis (MS) is false? A. Magnetic resonance imaging can help diagnose some cases of MS. B. MS is characterized by demyelination of axons along with some axon loss. C. Symptoms of MS may include weakness, lack of coordination, impaired vision and speech. D. MS is characterized by increases in conduction velocity of the optic nerve.

D

Which region of the cortex is crucial for motor control? A. Prefrontal cortex B. Parietal lobe C. Postcentral gyrus D. Precentral gyrus

D

Why are a broad perspective and an interdisciplinary approach required for understanding the brain? A. Understanding the brain requires the study of the different species of the brain. B. Understanding the brain requires the analysis of one approach at a time to yield a new synthesis. C. Understanding the brain is a focused area in natural science with the brain serving as the common point of focus. D. Understanding the brain requires knowledge about many things, from the structure of the water molecule to the electrical and chemical properties of the brain.

D

Neurons can be classified based on (select all that apply): A. axon length B. dendritic trees C. nodes of Ranvier D. gene expression E. number of neurites

A, B, D, E

A neuron without myelin would propagate nerve impulses: A. slowly B. only under some conditions C. not at all D. quickly

A

A scientist looks through a microscope at the structure of a neuron. The scientist notices a layer of molecules separating the neuron's intracellular space from the extracellular space. What is this part of the neuron known as? A. Neuronal membrane B. Organelle C. Nuclear envelope D. Soma

A

An afterpotential is A. a brief hyperpolarization that follows an action potential (undershoot). B. a brief depolarization that follows an action potential (overshoot). C. the portion of an action potential between 0 and +30 mV. D. a brief hyperpolarization that follows an EPSP (undershoot).

A

At what point do the somatic sensory axons enter the spinal cord? A. Dorsal roots B. Ventral root ganglia C. Ventral roots D. Dorsal root ganglia

A

How do action potentials differ from passively conducted electrical signals? A. Action potentials are signals of fixed size and duration; passively conducted signals are not signals of fixed size and duration B. Action potentials diminish over distance; passively conducted signals do not diminish over distance C. Action potentials are transmitted over short distances; passively conducted signals are conducted over long distances D. Action potentials occur only in nerve cells; passively conducted signals occur only in muscle cells

A

How does the sodium potassium pump help maintain the resting membrane potential? A. Pumps potassium in and sodium out B. Pumps sodium in and potassium out C. Exchanges a sodium and a potassium for a calcium D. Uses calcium to pump sodium and potassium against their concentration gradients

A

How long does it take for a voltage-gated potassium channel to open? A. Voltage-gated potassium channels do not open immediately upon depolarization; they take about 1 msec to open after the membrane is depolarized. B. Voltage-gated potassium channels open as soon as the membrane is depolarized beyond threshold. C. Voltage-gated potassium channels take about 3 msec to open after depolarization. D. Voltage-gated potassium channels open when action potential fire at maximal frequency.

A

Identify the neuroscientists who first proved the existence of electrical synapses. A. Edwin Furshpan and David Potter B. Bernard Katz and John Eccles C. Alan Hodgkin and Andrew Huxley D. Toshio Narahashi and Otto Loewi

A

In many sensory neurons, the spike-initiation zone A. is near the sensory nerve endings. B. isn't necessary. C. is located at the axon hillock. D. contains few voltage-gated sodium channels.

A

Primary sensory neurons: A. have neurites in the sensory sensory surfaces of the body B. are the most abundant cells in the brain C. command movement D. form connections only with other neurons

A

The equilibrium potential for sodium is about _______ mV. A. +62 B. -70 C. +100 D. -40

A

The movement of what ion is reflected in the rising phase of the action potential? A. Inward Na+ B. Inward K+ C. Outward Na+ D. Outward K+

A

The neuron doctrine stipulates that neurons A. are not continuous with one another. B. plus glial cells form functional units. C. are continuous with one another through a system of tubes. D. depend on one another for their metabolic needs.

A

To whom can we attribute the theory that behavior is among the heritable traits that could be developed? A. Charles Darwin B. Gustav Fritsch and Edward Hitzig C. Marie-Jean-Pierre Flourens D. Franz Joseph Gall

A

What is microionophoresis? A. Method of applying small amounts of neurotransmitter candidates to the surface of neurons B. Method of removing small amounts of neurotransmitter from the synaptic terminal C. Method of miniaturizing the brain for more efficient study D. Movement of ions over extremely small distances

A

What is the difference between replication and verification? A. Replication is repeating the experiment in other subjects to rule out the possibility of chance. In verification, the experiment is repeated and the same observations are obtained by any scientist following the same protocol as the original observer. B. Replication tests a hypothesis whereas verification rechecks the hypothesis. C. Replication and verification are not essentially different. D. Replication can only be done once whereas verification can be done many times.

A

What is the most important function of the rough endoplasmic reticulum? A. Site of protein synthesis B. Cellular respiration C. Post-translational protein processing D. RNA splicing

A

What notion was displaced by the concept of nerves being described as wires? A. Nerves are channels that communicate with the brain by the movement of fluids. B. Nerves conduct electrical signals to and from the brain. C. Signals to the muscles causing movement use the same wires as those that register sensations from the skin. D. Muscles can be twitched when nerves are stimulated electrically and the brain itself may generate electricity.

A

Where is the spike-initiation zone in a typical neuron? A. The part of the neuron where the axon originates from the soma B. The part of the neuron where the dendrites originate from the soma C. The cell body D. The axon terminal

A

Which force other than the ionic concentration gradient determines the equilibrium potential for an ion? A. Selective ionic permeability B. Sodium potassium pump C. Electrical resistance D. Electrical conductance

A

Which region of the cortex is necessary for vision? A. Occipital cortex B. Postcentral gyrus C. Temporal cortex D. Frontal cortex

A

Which side of the cerebellum affects the movements of the right hand? A. Right B. Dorsal C. Left D. Front

A

Neurons can be classified based on: A. axon length B. dendritic trees C. number of neurites D. gene expression E. nodes of Ranvier

A, B, C, D

Which of the following statements are true? Select all that apply. A. Animals selected for procedures should be of an appropriate species, quality, and the minimum number required to obtain valid results. B. Living conditions of animals should be appropriate for their species and contribute to their health and comfort. C. Proper use of animals, including the avoidance or minimization of discomfort, distress, and pain when consistent with sound scientific practices, is imperative. D. Investigators and other personnel do not need any training to conduct animal experiments. E. Procedures involving animals should be designed and performed with due consideration of their relevance to human or animal health, the advancement of knowledge, or the good of society

A, B, C, E

The following are major cells groups in the brain (select all that apply): A. septal area B. putamen C. fornix D. caudate nucleus E. corpus collosum

A, B, D

Distinguish between the head and tail of phospholipids. A. The phospholipid heads face each other and tails face the watery extracellular and intracellular environments. B. The phospholipids head contains hydrophilic phosphate and tail contains a hydrophobic hydrocarbon. C. The phospholipid head is hydrophobic and the hydrocarbon tail is hydrophilic. D. The phospholipids have a nonpolar head and polar tail.

B

How long does an action potential last from the beginning of the rising phase to the end of the falling phase? A. 2 nanoseconds B. 2 milliseconds C. 2 seconds D. 2 microseconds

B

Neurons in the __________ are often referred to as the gateway to the cerebral cortex. A. Brain stem B. Thalamus C. Olfactory bulb D. Cerebellum

B

The cholinergic drug atropine _______ receptors. A. blocks nicotinic B. blocks muscarinic C. activates nicotinic D. activates muscarinic

B

The gaps between segments of myelin are known as A. synaptic clefts. B. nodes of Ranvier. C. terminal boutons. D. cytoplasm.

B

These cells are the most numerous cells in the brain. A. Pyramidal cells B. Astrocytes C. Stellate cells D. Microglia

B

Under what conditions are peptide neurotransmitters released from the synaptic terminal? A. Only in 1 in 100 action potentials B. Only with high-frequency trains of action potentials C. Every action potential D. Only with low-frequency trains of action potentials

B

What are second messengers? A. Voltage-gated ion channels B. Molecules that activate additional enzymes in the cytosol C. Peptide neurotransmitters D. Special proteins that span a 3-nm gap between two cell membranes

B

What are the advantages of MRI over CT scan? A. Yields a more detailed map of the brain B. Does not use X-irradiation, Yields a more detailed map of the brain, Images of brain slices can be made in any plane desired C. Does not use X-irradiation D. Images of brain slices can be made in any plane desired

B

What is "mind-brain problem"? A. The physical basis of the mind is the brain. B. Individually human mental capacities exist outside the brain that is in the mind. C. Both animals and people possess intellect and a God given soul. D. The pineal gland is a spiritual entity.

B

What is a gap junction? A. Synapse between a neuron and a glandular cell B. Electrical synapse C. Chemical synapse D. Synapse between a neuron and a muscle cell

B

What is the meaning of an ion's equilibrium potential? A. Difference between the real membrane potential and equilibrium potential for a particular ion B. Electrical potential difference that exactly balances an ionic concentration gradient C. Difference in concentration between region with high ionic concentration and region with low ionic concentration D. Net movement of ions from a region of high concentration to a region of low concentration

B

What is the other name for dense-core vesicles? A. Synaptic vesicles B. Secretory granules C. Synaptic cleft D. Presynaptic element

B

What role do voltage-gated potassium channels play in the action potential? A. Voltage-gated potassium channels help depolarize the membrane toward the threshold for an action potential. B. Voltage-gated potassium channels restore negative membrane potential after the spike. C. Voltage-gated potassium channels maintain the resting membrane potential. D. Voltage-gated potassium channels interfere with sodium conductance.

B

Which major white matter system bridges the cerebral hemispheres? A. Internal capsule B. Corpus callosum C. Dorsal columns D. Posterior capsule

B

Which of the following channels in the active zones of the synaptic terminal open when the membrane depolarizes and causes the release of synaptic vesicles? A. Voltage-gated sodium channels B. Voltage-gated calcium channels C. Sodium channels D. Potassium channels

B

Which of the following is not a catecholamine neurotransmitter? A. Dopamine B. Serotonin C. Epinephrine D. Norepinephrine

B

Which of the following is the most posterior cerebral lobe in the brain? A. Temporal lobe B. Occipital lobe C. Frontal lobe D. Parietal lobe

B

Why do action potentials travel in only one direction? A. The membrane just behind the action potential is refractory due to inactivated potassium channels. B. The membrane just behind the action potential is refractory due to inactivated sodium channels. C. There is not enough sodium in the extracellular space after an action potential has just fired. D. The membrane proteins are destroyed when an action potential fires and it takes time to replace them.

B

Lidocaine (select all that apply): A. block sodium channels on the extracellular side B. works more quickly at active nerves where sodium channels are frequently opening C. is the most widely used anesthetic D. increases depolarization of the nerve

B, C