,PSYC 101 Module 2 | General Psychology Exam Q&A |
Portage Learning
1. Which part of the neuron is primarily responsible for receiving incoming signals from
other neurons?
A) Axon
B) Dendrite
C) Myelin sheath
D) Terminal button
Correct Answer: Dendrite
Rationale: Dendrites are the branch-like extensions of a neuron that receive chemical signals
from other neurons across synapses. The axon transmits signals away from the cell body, the
myelin sheath insulates the axon to speed transmission, and terminal buttons release
neurotransmitters. This directional flow is fundamental to neural communication.
2. What is the primary function of the myelin sheath?
A) To release neurotransmitters into the synapse
B) To receive signals from adjacent neurons
C) To insulate the axon and increase the speed of neural transmission
D) To produce cerebrospinal fluid for the central nervous system
Correct Answer: To insulate the axon and increase the speed of neural transmission
Rationale: The myelin sheath is a fatty layer that wraps around the axon, providing electrical
insulation. This insulation allows action potentials to propagate much faster through saltatory
conduction. Dendrites receive signals, and terminal buttons release neurotransmitters.
3. A sudden shift in a neuron's electrical charge that travels down the axon is called:
A) A resting potential
,B) A synaptic potential
C) An action potential
D) A refractory period
Correct Answer: An action potential
Rationale: An action potential is a brief electrical impulse that travels down the axon when
the neuron's membrane potential reaches a threshold. This "firing" allows the neuron to
transmit information over long distances. Resting potential is the neuron's stable state when
not firing.
4. Which neurotransmitter is most closely associated with voluntary movement, pleasurable
emotion, and is implicated in Parkinson's disease?
A) Serotonin
B) Acetylcholine
C) Dopamine
D) Endorphins
Correct Answer: Dopamine
Rationale: Dopamine is critical for voluntary movement, motivation, and reward.
Degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra is the hallmark of
Parkinson's disease. Serotonin regulates mood and sleep, acetylcholine is involved in memory
and muscle activation, and endorphins reduce pain.
5. A psychologist studying how the brain's structure influences behavior would be working
from which perspective?
A) Behavioral
B) Biological
C) Cognitive
D) Psychodynamic
, Correct Answer: Biological
Rationale: The biological perspective examines how genetics, the nervous system, and brain
structures influence behavior and mental processes. The behavioral perspective focuses on
observable actions and environmental consequences. The cognitive perspective studies
mental processes like memory and problem-solving.
6. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for which of the following responses?
A) Slowing heart rate and promoting digestion
B) Constricting pupils and stimulating salivation
C) Accelerating heart rate and dilating pupils during stress
D) Promoting rest and conserving energy
Correct Answer: Accelerating heart rate and dilating pupils during stress
Rationale: The sympathetic nervous system activates the "fight-or-flight" response,
preparing the body for emergencies by increasing heart rate, dilating pupils, and mobilizing
glucose. The parasympathetic nervous system handles "rest-and-digest" functions, including
slowing heart rate and promoting digestion.
7. Which brain structure is most critical for the formation of new declarative memories?
A) Amygdala
B) Cerebellum
C) Hippocampus
D) Medulla
Correct Answer: Hippocampus
Rationale: The hippocampus, located in the temporal lobe, is essential for consolidating new
explicit memories. Damage to this structure can prevent the formation of new factual
memories while leaving older memories intact. The amygdala processes emotions, the
cerebellum coordinates movement, and the medulla regulates vital autonomic functions.
Portage Learning
1. Which part of the neuron is primarily responsible for receiving incoming signals from
other neurons?
A) Axon
B) Dendrite
C) Myelin sheath
D) Terminal button
Correct Answer: Dendrite
Rationale: Dendrites are the branch-like extensions of a neuron that receive chemical signals
from other neurons across synapses. The axon transmits signals away from the cell body, the
myelin sheath insulates the axon to speed transmission, and terminal buttons release
neurotransmitters. This directional flow is fundamental to neural communication.
2. What is the primary function of the myelin sheath?
A) To release neurotransmitters into the synapse
B) To receive signals from adjacent neurons
C) To insulate the axon and increase the speed of neural transmission
D) To produce cerebrospinal fluid for the central nervous system
Correct Answer: To insulate the axon and increase the speed of neural transmission
Rationale: The myelin sheath is a fatty layer that wraps around the axon, providing electrical
insulation. This insulation allows action potentials to propagate much faster through saltatory
conduction. Dendrites receive signals, and terminal buttons release neurotransmitters.
3. A sudden shift in a neuron's electrical charge that travels down the axon is called:
A) A resting potential
,B) A synaptic potential
C) An action potential
D) A refractory period
Correct Answer: An action potential
Rationale: An action potential is a brief electrical impulse that travels down the axon when
the neuron's membrane potential reaches a threshold. This "firing" allows the neuron to
transmit information over long distances. Resting potential is the neuron's stable state when
not firing.
4. Which neurotransmitter is most closely associated with voluntary movement, pleasurable
emotion, and is implicated in Parkinson's disease?
A) Serotonin
B) Acetylcholine
C) Dopamine
D) Endorphins
Correct Answer: Dopamine
Rationale: Dopamine is critical for voluntary movement, motivation, and reward.
Degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra is the hallmark of
Parkinson's disease. Serotonin regulates mood and sleep, acetylcholine is involved in memory
and muscle activation, and endorphins reduce pain.
5. A psychologist studying how the brain's structure influences behavior would be working
from which perspective?
A) Behavioral
B) Biological
C) Cognitive
D) Psychodynamic
, Correct Answer: Biological
Rationale: The biological perspective examines how genetics, the nervous system, and brain
structures influence behavior and mental processes. The behavioral perspective focuses on
observable actions and environmental consequences. The cognitive perspective studies
mental processes like memory and problem-solving.
6. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for which of the following responses?
A) Slowing heart rate and promoting digestion
B) Constricting pupils and stimulating salivation
C) Accelerating heart rate and dilating pupils during stress
D) Promoting rest and conserving energy
Correct Answer: Accelerating heart rate and dilating pupils during stress
Rationale: The sympathetic nervous system activates the "fight-or-flight" response,
preparing the body for emergencies by increasing heart rate, dilating pupils, and mobilizing
glucose. The parasympathetic nervous system handles "rest-and-digest" functions, including
slowing heart rate and promoting digestion.
7. Which brain structure is most critical for the formation of new declarative memories?
A) Amygdala
B) Cerebellum
C) Hippocampus
D) Medulla
Correct Answer: Hippocampus
Rationale: The hippocampus, located in the temporal lobe, is essential for consolidating new
explicit memories. Damage to this structure can prevent the formation of new factual
memories while leaving older memories intact. The amygdala processes emotions, the
cerebellum coordinates movement, and the medulla regulates vital autonomic functions.
