Biological Psychology MCQ Quiz With Answers

The correct answer is the cerebral cortex. The cerebral cortex is the outer covering of the cerebral hemispheres, which are responsible for higher cognitive functions such as thinking, perception, and voluntary movement. It is divided into different regions that control various aspects of behavior and sensory processing. The neocortex, allocortex, paleocortex, and archicortex are all subtypes of the cerebral cortex, each with their own distinct characteristics and functions.

Cocaine is a drug derived from the coca plant that acts as a stimulant of the central nervous system and an appetite suppressant. It works by potentiating catecholamine stimulation. The possession, cultivation, and distribution of cocaine are illegal for non-medicinal and non-government sanctioned purposes worldwide.

Phrenology is the belief that bumps on the skull are indicative of enlargements in specific brain regions that are responsible for certain behavioral faculties. This pseudoscience was popular in the 19th century and claimed to be able to determine a person's personality traits and abilities based on the shape and size of their skull. However, modern neuroscience has disproven the validity of phrenology, showing that there is no direct correlation between skull morphology and brain function.

The term "meninges" refers to the three protective sheets of tissue, namely the dura mater, pia mater, and arachnoid, that surround both the brain and spinal cord. These layers provide support and protection to the central nervous system, acting as a barrier against potential damage or infection. The dura mater is the outermost layer, the arachnoid is the middle layer, and the pia mater is the innermost layer that directly covers the brain and spinal cord. Together, these membranes help to cushion and shield the delicate neural tissue from harm.

The shiny layer underneath the cortex that consists largely of axons with white myelin sheaths is referred to as white matter. White matter is responsible for transmitting signals between different areas of the brain and spinal cord, allowing for communication and coordination of various functions. The myelin sheaths surrounding the axons give the white matter its white appearance.

A hormone is a chemical secreted by an endocrine gland that is transported through the bloodstream to regulate target organs or tissues. Hormones act as messengers in the body, transmitting signals from one part of the body to another and helping to maintain homeostasis. They play a crucial role in various bodily functions such as growth, metabolism, reproduction, and mood regulation. Hormones can have widespread effects on multiple organs and systems, and their levels are tightly regulated to ensure proper functioning of the body.

A gyrus is a term used to describe a ridged or raised portion of a convoluted brain surface. In the context of brain anatomy, the brain surface is not smooth but rather has numerous folds and ridges, known as gyri. These gyri play a crucial role in increasing the surface area of the brain, allowing for more neurons and connections within a limited space. Therefore, a gyrus refers to these specific raised portions on the convoluted brain surface.

Depolarization refers to a reduction in the membrane potential of a neuron, causing the interior of the neuron to become less negative. This occurs when there is an influx of positively charged ions, such as sodium ions, into the neuron, which neutralizes the negative charge. Depolarization is an essential step in the generation of an action potential, as it triggers the opening of voltage-gated ion channels and initiates the transmission of electrical signals along the neuron.

An agonist is a molecule, often a drug, that binds to a receptor molecule and triggers a response similar to that of another molecule, typically a neurotransmitter. In this case, the correct answer is "agonist" or "drug agonist" because it accurately describes a molecule that binds to a receptor and initiates a response similar to that of another molecule.

Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death that occurs during the developmental process to eliminate surplus cells. It is a tightly regulated process that is essential for maintaining normal tissue homeostasis and removing damaged or unnecessary cells. Apoptosis involves a series of cellular events, including DNA fragmentation, membrane blebbing, and formation of apoptotic bodies, which are eventually engulfed and cleared by neighboring cells or phagocytes. This process plays a crucial role in sculpting and shaping tissues and organs during embryogenesis, as well as in maintaining proper cell numbers in adult tissues.

Cross-tolerance refers to a condition where the development of tolerance for one drug leads to the development of tolerance for another drug. This means that when an individual becomes tolerant to the effects of one drug, they also become tolerant to the effects of another drug, even if they have not been exposed to it before. This can occur because the drugs act on similar receptors or pathways in the body, leading to a shared tolerance mechanism. Cross-tolerance can have implications for drug effectiveness and dosage adjustments in medical treatments.

Neuroplasticity, also known as neural plasticity or brain plasticity, refers to the ability of the nervous system to change and adapt in response to experience or the environment. This means that the connections between neurons can be modified, new neurons can be created, and existing neurons can change their function. Neuroplasticity plays a crucial role in learning, memory, and recovery from brain injuries. It allows the brain to reorganize itself and compensate for damage, making it a fundamental process for the brain's ability to adapt and change throughout life.

The blood-brain barrier is a specialized system of cells that line the blood vessels in the brain and prevent certain substances from freely entering the brain tissue. It is composed of tightly packed endothelial cells, a thick basement membrane, and astrocyte foot processes. This barrier is highly selective and only allows essential nutrients and molecules to pass through while blocking the entry of potentially harmful substances, such as toxins and pathogens. This selective permeability is crucial for maintaining the delicate balance of the brain's internal environment and protecting it from external threats.

Behavioral neuroscience is the correct answer because it is the field of study that focuses on understanding how the activity of the nervous system is related to behavior. This field examines the neural mechanisms underlying behavior, including the brain structures and processes involved. It combines principles from biology, psychology, and neuroscience to investigate how the brain and behavior are interconnected.

Saltatory conduction is the form of conduction that occurs in myelinated axons. Myelin is a fatty substance that wraps around the axon, forming gaps called nodes of Ranvier. In saltatory conduction, the nerve impulse jumps from one node of Ranvier to the next, skipping the myelinated regions in between. This allows for faster and more efficient conduction of the nerve impulse. The jumping of the impulse from node to node is what characterizes saltatory conduction.

The correct answer is neuropharmacology, psychopharmacology, and neurochemistry. These three scientific fields are all concerned with the study of compounds that selectively affect the functioning of the nervous system. Neuropharmacology focuses specifically on the effects of drugs on the nervous system, psychopharmacology studies the effects of drugs on mental processes and behavior, and neurochemistry examines the chemical processes and substances involved in the functioning of the nervous system.

The first and second ventricles refer to the lateral ventricles, which are located within each hemisphere of the brain. These ventricles have a complex shape and are responsible for producing and circulating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) throughout the brain. CSF helps to protect and cushion the brain, as well as remove waste products. The lateral ventricles are the largest and most prominent of the brain ventricles, and their complex shape allows for a greater surface area for CSF production and circulation.

The correct answer is the reticular activating system (RAS) or reticular formation. The RAS is a network of neurons located in the brainstem that plays a crucial role in regulating arousal and the sleep-wake cycle. It receives input from various sensory systems and sends projections to different areas of the brain, helping to control alertness, attention, and consciousness. The RAS is involved in filtering sensory information and determining what stimuli are important for waking and maintaining consciousness.

A tract refers to a bundle of axons that are located within the central nervous system. These axons are responsible for transmitting signals between different areas of the central nervous system. Tracts can be found in the brain and spinal cord, and they play a crucial role in coordinating various bodily functions. Unlike nerves, which are found outside the central nervous system and carry signals to and from the brain, tracts are specifically located within the central nervous system. Ganglion and nucleus, on the other hand, refer to collections of nerve cell bodies and are not typically associated with bundles of axons.

The term "absolute refractory phase" refers to a brief period of time during which a neuron is completely insensitive to any stimuli, immediately after it has fired an action potential. This means that even if a strong stimulus is applied during this phase, the neuron will not respond or fire another action potential. The term "absolute refractory period" is another way of referring to the same concept. Both terms describe the same phenomenon of temporary insensitivity to stimuli after neural firing.

The correct answer is Periaqueductal gray. The periaqueductal gray is a region of gray matter surrounding the cerebral aqueduct in the midbrain. It is involved in various physiological functions such as rage reactions, the lordosis reflex, feeding responses, bladder tonus, and pain.

Free nerve endings are axons that terminate in the skin without any specialized cell associated with them. They are known to detect pain and may also detect changes in temperature. Unlike Meissner's or Pacinian corpuscles, free nerve endings do not have complex sensory structures. They are the most common type of nerve ending and are frequently found in the skin. Therefore, the correct answer is free nerve ending or free nerve endings.

Innervation refers to the process of providing neural input to a specific area or organ of the body. It involves the transmission of nerve signals to stimulate or control the functioning of that particular area. Therefore, innervation is the correct term that means "to provide neural input." Transduction refers to the conversion of one form of energy to another, neural conduction refers to the transmission of nerve impulses along a neuron, and "None of the above" is not the correct answer as innervation fits the given definition.

The correct answer is "median raphe." The median raphe is a string of nuclei located in the midline or medial part of the midbrain and brainstem. It contains a majority of the serotonergic neurons in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulating mood, sleep, appetite, and other important functions. The median raphe is involved in the modulation of these processes and is therefore an essential part of the brain's serotonergic system.

Purkinje cells, also known as Purkinje neurons or Purkinje nerve cells, are a type of large nerve cell found in the cerebellar cortex. These cells are named after the Czech anatomist Jan Evangelista Purkyně, who first described them in the 19th century. Purkinje cells are characterized by their distinctive shape and branching dendrites, which allow them to receive and integrate input from various sources. They play a crucial role in the coordination and regulation of motor movements, as well as in other cognitive functions.