Chapter 3: Biopsychology

Question 1

Rosemary had a stroke about a year ago and now she cannot understand what people are saying to her. This is embarrassing for her, so she responds using vague language and tries to make it appear as though she understands. Which area of Rosemary’s brain was likely damaged by the stroke?

Answer 1

Wernicke’s area

Question 2

The space between two neurons is called the ________.

Answer 2

synapse

Question 3

The myelin sheath consists of a(n) ________.

Answer 3

glial cell

Question 4

A particular electrical signal being transmitted to a neuron is sufficient to generate an action potential. If the magnitude of the incoming electrical signal is doubled, the action potential will ________.

Answer 4

undergo no changes in strength, speed, or duration

Question 5

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are drugs commonly prescribed for ________.

Answer 5

depression

Question 6

________ is a neurotransmitter involved in mood, reward, addiction, and motor behavior.

Answer 6

dopamine

Question 7

The central nervous system consists of the brain and the ________.

Answer 7

spinal cord

Question 8

The two major divisions of the nervous system are the ________ and ________.

Answer 8

central; peripheral nervous systems

Question 9

The ________ nervous system is responsible for responses such as pupil dilation, increased heart rate, and increased respiration.

Answer 9

sympathetic

Question 10

________ is a neurotransmitter with roles in pleasure and pain modulation.

Answer 10

beta-endorphin

Question 11

Plasticity refers to the brain’s capacity to change by forming new neural pathways based on

Answer 11

refractory periods

Question 12

Neurons are best described as

Answer 12

nerve cells that function as the building blocks of the nervous system

Question 13

A neuron’s reaction of either firing at full strength or not firing at all is described as

Answer 13

an all-or-none response