MCAT Psychology: Biology and
Behavior Questions and Answers |
Latest Update | 2024/2025 | 100% Verified
What is the function of the hypothalamus in regulating basic biological drives?
✔✔The hypothalamus regulates basic biological drives such as hunger, thirst, and body
temperature, as well as controlling the autonomic nervous system and endocrine system.
Describe the role of neurotransmitters in synaptic transmission.
✔✔Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers released from the presynaptic neuron that bind to
receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, transmitting signals across the synapse.
What is the significance of the amygdala in emotional processing?
✔✔The amygdala is involved in processing and regulating emotions, particularly those related to
fear and pleasure, and contributes to emotional memory formation.
1
,How does the serotonin system influence mood and behavior?
✔✔The serotonin system affects mood, emotion, and behavior by modulating neurotransmission
and influencing feelings of well-being and happiness.
Explain the role of the frontal lobe in executive functions.
✔✔The frontal lobe is responsible for executive functions such as decision-making, problem-
solving, planning, and controlling impulses and behaviors.
What is the impact of cortisol on stress and its effects on the body?
✔✔Cortisol is a hormone released during stress that helps regulate metabolism and immune
responses but can negatively affect the body by increasing blood sugar levels and suppressing
immune function if chronically elevated.
Describe the process of sensory adaptation and its purpose.
2
, ✔✔Sensory adaptation is the process by which sensory receptors become less responsive to
constant stimuli over time, allowing individuals to focus on changes in their environment rather
than constant stimuli.
How does the limbic system contribute to emotional regulation?
✔✔The limbic system, including structures like the amygdala and hippocampus, plays a key role
in emotional regulation by integrating sensory information with emotional responses and
memory.
What is the function of the parietal lobe in spatial awareness?
✔✔The parietal lobe processes sensory information related to touch, proprioception, and spatial
orientation, contributing to spatial awareness and coordination.
Explain the role of the basal ganglia in motor control.
✔✔The basal ganglia are involved in regulating and coordinating voluntary motor movements,
motor planning, and smooth execution of movements.
3
Behavior Questions and Answers |
Latest Update | 2024/2025 | 100% Verified
What is the function of the hypothalamus in regulating basic biological drives?
✔✔The hypothalamus regulates basic biological drives such as hunger, thirst, and body
temperature, as well as controlling the autonomic nervous system and endocrine system.
Describe the role of neurotransmitters in synaptic transmission.
✔✔Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers released from the presynaptic neuron that bind to
receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, transmitting signals across the synapse.
What is the significance of the amygdala in emotional processing?
✔✔The amygdala is involved in processing and regulating emotions, particularly those related to
fear and pleasure, and contributes to emotional memory formation.
1
,How does the serotonin system influence mood and behavior?
✔✔The serotonin system affects mood, emotion, and behavior by modulating neurotransmission
and influencing feelings of well-being and happiness.
Explain the role of the frontal lobe in executive functions.
✔✔The frontal lobe is responsible for executive functions such as decision-making, problem-
solving, planning, and controlling impulses and behaviors.
What is the impact of cortisol on stress and its effects on the body?
✔✔Cortisol is a hormone released during stress that helps regulate metabolism and immune
responses but can negatively affect the body by increasing blood sugar levels and suppressing
immune function if chronically elevated.
Describe the process of sensory adaptation and its purpose.
2
, ✔✔Sensory adaptation is the process by which sensory receptors become less responsive to
constant stimuli over time, allowing individuals to focus on changes in their environment rather
than constant stimuli.
How does the limbic system contribute to emotional regulation?
✔✔The limbic system, including structures like the amygdala and hippocampus, plays a key role
in emotional regulation by integrating sensory information with emotional responses and
memory.
What is the function of the parietal lobe in spatial awareness?
✔✔The parietal lobe processes sensory information related to touch, proprioception, and spatial
orientation, contributing to spatial awareness and coordination.
Explain the role of the basal ganglia in motor control.
✔✔The basal ganglia are involved in regulating and coordinating voluntary motor movements,
motor planning, and smooth execution of movements.
3
