Biopsychology Chapters 1-4 Test

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes the primary role of the sodium-potassium pump in maintaining the resting membrane potential?

Allowing diffusion of sodium ions into the cell and potassium ions out of the cell.
Facilitating the passive movement of sodium and potassium ions along their electrochemical gradients.
Creating an equilibrium where the concentration of sodium and potassium ions are equal inside and outside the cell.
Establishing a concentration gradient by actively transporting sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell. (correct)

Graded potentials, such as EPSPs and IPSPs, always trigger an action potential if they reach the axon hillock.

False (B)

Briefly explain how myelination affects the conduction velocity of action potentials.

Myelination increases conduction velocity by allowing saltatory conduction, where the action potential jumps between Nodes of Ranvier.

The period after an action potential during which it is impossible or more difficult to trigger another action potential is called the _________ period.

refractory Signup and view all the answers

Match the following brain regions with their primary functions:

Cerebellum = Motor coordination and balance Hypothalamus = Regulation of body temperature, hunger, and thirst Amygdala = Processing emotions, particularly fear and aggression Hippocampus = Formation of new memories Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between an experiment and a quasi-experimental study?

Experiments involve the manipulation of variables and random assignment, while quasi-experimental studies lack random assignment. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Social dominance and courtship displays are examples of learned behaviors that have no basis in genetics or evolution.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'exaptation' in the context of evolution?

Structures or behaviors that evolved for a specific purpose but are later co-opted for a different function. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the sodium-potassium pump in maintaining the resting membrane potential?

Active transport of sodium ions out of the cell and potassium ions into the cell (D) Signup and view all the answers

An excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) always leads to an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between temporal summation and spatial summation in the context of postsynaptic potentials?

Temporal summation involves the addition of postsynaptic potentials generated at the same synapse in quick succession, while spatial summation involves the addition of postsynaptic potentials generated at different synapses on the same neuron. Signup and view all the answers

The period after an action potential during which it is impossible to trigger another action potential is called the ______ refractory period.

absolute Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms related to action potential conduction with their descriptions:

Orthodromic conduction = Action potential travels from the soma to the axon terminal Antidromic conduction = Action potential travels from the axon terminal to the soma (experimental condition) Nodes of Ranvier = Gaps in the myelin sheath where action potentials are regenerated Myelination = Insulating layer around axons that speeds up conduction Signup and view all the answers

Which glial cell type is primarily responsible for the myelination of axons in the central nervous system?

Oligodendrocytes (A) Signup and view all the answers

String-of-beads synapses are examples of directed synapses where neurotransmitters are released directly onto a specific postsynaptic target.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

Describe the role of calcium ions ($Ca^{2+}$) in the process of neurotransmitter exocytosis.

Calcium ions ($Ca^{2+}$) influx into the presynaptic terminal triggers the fusion of vesicles containing neurotransmitters with the presynaptic membrane, leading to the release of neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft. Signup and view all the answers

A drug that blocks the reuptake of a neurotransmitter is classified as an ______, because it enhances the neurotransmitter's effect.

agonist Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the correct order of the meningeal layers from outermost to innermost?

Dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater (B) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Sex-Linked Traits

Traits linked to either the X or Y chromosome. Expression differs between sexes.

What is biopsychology?

The scientific study of the biology of behavior. Focuses on the physical and chemical bases of behavior.

Epigenetics

The study of changes in gene expression (phenotype) that do not involve alterations to the DNA sequence (genotype).

Quasi-experimental studies

A research approach where the experimenter does NOT directly manipulate the variable but rather observes groups that already exist (e.g., gender, age).