Biological Psych

Practice Test: Biological Psychology

Multiple Choice Questions

  1. What part of the brain is responsible for fine motor skills and is often referred to as the "little brain"?

    • A) Cerebellum

    • B) Medulla

    • C) Pons

    • D) Amygdala

  2. Which brain structure is involved in creating and integrating new memories?

    • A) Amygdala

    • B) Thalamus

    • C) Hippocampus

    • D) Hypothalamus

  3. What type of aphasia is characterized by fluent speech but impaired comprehension?

    • A) Broca’s aphasia

    • B) Wernicke’s aphasia

    • C) Anterograde amnesia

    • D) Retrograde amnesia

  4. What is the resting potential of a neuron?

    • A) +40 mV

    • B) -70 mV

    • C) 0 mV

    • D) -55 mV

  5. What brain imaging technique is best for examining changes in blood oxygen levels and brain activity?

    • A) MRI

    • B) EEG

    • C) fMRI

    • D) PET

True/False Questions

  1. The left hemisphere of the brain controls the right side of the body, and the right hemisphere controls the left side.

    • True

    • False

  2. The somatosensory cortex is located in the frontal lobe and initiates movement.

    • True

    • False

  3. The binding of neurotransmitters to receptors is specific, similar to a lock and key.

    • True

    • False

  4. An agonist is a chemical that blocks the action of a neurotransmitter.

    • True

    • False

  5. Anterograde amnesia is characterized by the inability to form new memories.

    • True

    • False

Short Answer Questions

  1. Explain the role of the myelin sheath in neural communication and describe what happens when it is damaged.

  2. Describe the difference between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters.

  3. What are the primary functions of the hypothalamus, and why is it referred to by the "4 F's"?

  4. Define brain plasticity and provide an example of how the brain can reorganize itself.

  5. Compare the benefits and limitations of EEG and fMRI as brain imaging techniques.

Essay Question

  1. Describe the process of action potential, including the stages of depolarization, repolarization, and the refractory period. Use diagrams if necessary to illustrate your answer.





Answers

Multiple Choice:

  1. A) Cerebellum

  2. C) Hippocampus

  3. B) Wernicke’s aphasia

  4. B) -70 mV

  5. C) fMRI

True/False:

  1. True

  2. False

  3. True

  4. False

  5. True

Short Answer:

  1. The myelin sheath insulates axons, increasing the speed and efficiency of neural communication. When it is damaged (e.g., in multiple sclerosis), neural signals are slowed or disrupted.

  2. Excitatory neurotransmitters increase the likelihood of an action potential by making the membrane potential less negative. Inhibitory neurotransmitters decrease the likelihood by making the membrane potential more negative.

  3. The hypothalamus regulates fighting, fleeing, feeding, and reproduction (the "4 F's"). It controls vital functions such as hunger, thirst, temperature, and hormones.

  4. Brain plasticity is the brain's ability to reorganize and adapt its structure and function in response to damage or new experiences. An example is the recovery of function after a stroke.

  5. EEG offers excellent temporal resolution but poor spatial resolution, making it ideal for studying rapid neural activity. fMRI provides detailed spatial resolution but has lower temporal resolution, making it better for studying brain regions involved in specific tasks.