Brain Bee Review Part 3

Amnesia is the correct answer because it refers to the condition in which a person is unable to remember previously learned information. It is a memory disorder that can be caused by various factors such as brain injury, illness, or psychological trauma. People with amnesia may have difficulty recalling past events, forming new memories, or both. This term is commonly used in the medical field to describe memory loss and is the most appropriate choice among the given options.

During the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep, our brain activity increases and becomes similar to when we are awake. This is the stage where we experience vivid and memorable dreams. REM sleep is characterized by rapid eye movements, increased heart rate, and irregular breathing. Therefore, it is true that the REM stage of sleep is when we are more likely to dream.

In Alzheimer's disease, brain cells gradually die, leading to the thinning of the cortex, which is the outer layer of the brain responsible for memory, thinking, and reasoning. Additionally, the fluid-filled spaces in the brain, known as ventricles, tend to enlarge. These changes in the brain structure are characteristic of Alzheimer's disease and contribute to the cognitive decline and other symptoms associated with the condition.

Huntington's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by abnormal involuntary movements of the body. It is a hereditary condition caused by a mutation in the HTT gene, leading to the progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the brain. Symptoms of Huntington's disease include chorea (involuntary jerking or writhing movements), as well as cognitive decline and psychiatric symptoms. There is currently no cure for Huntington's disease, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

Taking steroids can help reduce inflammation in multiple sclerosis, but it cannot completely stop it. Steroids are often prescribed as part of the treatment plan for multiple sclerosis to manage symptoms and reduce inflammation in the central nervous system. However, they do not provide a permanent solution and cannot completely eliminate inflammation. Other medications and therapies are also used in conjunction with steroids to manage the condition and its symptoms. Therefore, the statement that taking steroids can completely stop inflammation in multiple sclerosis is false.

Drugs that block dopamine receptors are helpful in reducing the frequency and impact of symptoms associated with Schizophrenia. This is because an overactive dopamine system is believed to contribute to the development of symptoms in schizophrenia. By blocking dopamine receptors, these drugs can help regulate dopamine levels in the brain and alleviate symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.

Cortisol levels naturally peak in the morning. This is due to the body's internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm. Cortisol helps regulate various bodily functions, including metabolism, blood pressure, and the immune system. It is highest in the morning to help wake us up and provide energy for the day ahead. As the day progresses, cortisol levels gradually decrease, reaching their lowest point at night, which helps prepare the body for sleep.

Spina bifida is the correct answer because it is a condition where the neural tube, which forms the brain and spinal cord, fails to close properly during embryonic development. This can result in various degrees of physical and neurological disabilities. Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease are neurodegenerative disorders that are not related to the failure of neural tube closure. Anencephaly is a condition where the neural tube does not close at the head end, resulting in the absence of a major portion of the brain, but it is not the condition described in the question.

The correct answer is 7+/- 2. This is because the short-term memory capacity, also known as working memory capacity, refers to the number of items that can be held in our memory at any given time. The average capacity is believed to be around 7 items, give or take 2. This means that most people can retain between 5 to 9 items in their working memory.

Cortisol is the correct answer because it is a hormone that is released in response to stress. It has several effects on the body, including raising blood sugar and fatty acids levels. It also turns off growth, digestion, and inflammation. Adrenaline and norepinephrine are also hormones released in response to stress, but they do not have the same specific effects as cortisol. Adrenocorticotrophin is a hormone that stimulates the release of cortisol, but it is not directly responsible for the effects mentioned in the question.

Cytokines are signaling molecules that stimulate the immune system and play a key role in inflammation. They act on the liver to stimulate the production of acute phase proteins. However, it is not true that cytokines are produced in the body at all times at high levels. The production of cytokines is tightly regulated and varies depending on the presence of specific triggers such as bacterial and viral products.

Antidepressant drugs actually work by increasing the levels of neuromodulatory transmitters such as serotonin and noradrenaline. They do not inhibit the effects of these transmitters. Therefore, the correct answer is false.

During the development of the nervous system, multiple nerve fibers initially go to each muscle, and then all but one is later eliminated by competition. This process is known as synaptic pruning and it helps to refine and strengthen the connections between nerve cells. The excess nerve fibers that are not needed are eliminated through a competitive process where the strongest and most efficient connections are maintained, while weaker connections are eliminated. This allows for more precise and efficient communication between nerve cells and muscles.