Neuroscience of Brain Functions and Structures

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What is the role of the motor cortex in the brain?

Controlling voluntary muscle movements (correct)

Regulating emotional responses

Facilitating speech comprehension

Processing visual information

Which area of the brain is primarily involved in the production of speech?

Wernicke's area

Motor cortex

Broca's area (correct)

Cerebellum

What happens to the hemispheres of the brain when the corpus callosum is severed?

They communicate more effectively

They perform functions together seamlessly

They become larger in size

They no longer communicate with each other (correct)

Which of the following best describes lateralization in the brain?

Certain functions are localized in one hemisphere Signup and view all the answers

In most right-handed individuals, where is language dominance typically found?

Left hemisphere Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is associated with the right hemisphere of the brain?

Spatial relations Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of visual information processing in split-brain patients?

Input from the right visual field is processed in the left hemisphere Signup and view all the answers

What type of emotions is the left hemisphere primarily responsible for?

Positive emotions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of dopamine in the brain?

Pleasure and reward Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with mood regulation?

Serotonin Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism is responsible for turning neurotransmitter activity 'off' in the synapse?

Reuptake Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is primarily linked with anxiety disorders?

GABA Signup and view all the answers

Acetylcholine's primary functions include which of the following?

Learning and memory Signup and view all the answers

What psychological issue is most closely associated with low levels of serotonin?

Depression Signup and view all the answers

Which neurotransmitter is implicated in pain insensitivity?

Endorphins Signup and view all the answers

Enzymatic degradation of neurotransmitters serves what function?

Break down neurotransmitters to terminate their action Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of left-handers have language functions in both hemispheres?

25% Signup and view all the answers

What is true about neural plasticity in early life compared to adulthood?

Plasticity is greater early in life. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary cause of Jody Miller's condition that led to surgery?

Epileptic seizures Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon allows neurons in adults to change structurally or biochemically?

Neural reorganization Signup and view all the answers

After Jody Miller's surgery, which hemisphere began to take on more functions?

Left hemisphere Signup and view all the answers

What technique involves destroying tissue in the brain to study consequences?

Lesion Techniques Signup and view all the answers

Which method records electrical activity of neurons to analyze states like wakefulness and sleep?

Electroencephalogram (EEG) Signup and view all the answers

What does Functional MRI (fMRI) primarily measure?

Changes in blood flow during tasks Signup and view all the answers

Who is associated with mapping motor and sensory areas of the brain using electrical stimulation?

Dr. Wilder Penfield Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) technique?

To deliver a magnetic current to activate or inactivate brain areas Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the nervous system connects the brain and spinal cord to muscles, senses, and organs?

Peripheral Nervous System Signup and view all the answers

What does Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) primarily provide?

3D images of brain and body tissue Signup and view all the answers

Which technique is useful for treating depression by modifying brain activity?

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of dendrites in a neuron?

To receive messages from other neurons Signup and view all the answers

How is an action potential generated in a neuron?

When the neuron reaches a certain threshold of voltage Signup and view all the answers

What role does myelin sheath play in neuronal function?

It insulates the axon to prevent signal loss Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the refractory period of a neuron?

The neuron cannot fire again until it has recharged Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when excitatory neurotransmitters are released?

They depolarize the neuron, increasing action potential likelihood Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes multiple sclerosis?

Demyelination of axons by the immune system Signup and view all the answers

What type of ions are primarily found at higher concentrations outside a resting neuron?

Sodium ions (Na+) Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'all or none' law in action potential indicate?

If the threshold is reached, the action potential fires at maximum intensity Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of nodes of Ranvier in the neuronal transmission process?

They allow action potentials to jump, increasing speed Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the process of summation in neurons?

It is the addition of both excitatory and inhibitory signals Signup and view all the answers