PYC1501 Basic Psychology ASSIGNMENT QUESTION AND ANSWERS .

PYC1501 Basic Psychology ASSIGNMENT QUESTION AND ANSWERS . Question 1 The part(s) of the neuron that (is) are responsible for receiving information signals, (is) are called . . . 1. dendrites 2. boutons 3. myelin 4. all of the above Question 2 The part of the neuron that facilitates synaptic transmission of a signal to another neuron is . . . 1. dendrite 2. terminal bouton 3. soma 4. myelin sheath Question 3 The electrical charge resulting from the difference between the positive and negative ions outside and inside the cell membrane is called . . . 1. the action potential 2. a high threshold 3. the resting membrane potential 4. the refractory period Question 4 Which of the statements about the following diagram is/are correct? 1. In accordance with the all-ornone-law, neurons A, B, C and D will conduct an impulse at exactly the same speed, or not at all. 2. In comparison with neurons A, C and D, neuron B can conduct impulses at the highest speed and amplitude. 3. In comparison with neurons A, B and C, neuron D will conduct impulses at the highest frequency. 4. 1 & 3 Page 1 PYC1501 ASSIGNMENT QUESTION AND ANSWERS Question 5 The opening across which one neuron communicates with another neuron is known as the . . . 1. threshold 2. channel 3. synaptic cleft 4. membrane Question 6 The tutor asks the group what the term “refractory period” means. One of the students said that it is a phase when the neuron is not ready to fire. Evaluate this answer. The statement is . . . 1. not correct because the refractory period refers to the phase between the action potential and the resting potential 2. not correct because the refractory period refers to the phase when the neuron is ready to fire 3. partially correct, because the neuron is unable to fire during the absolute refractory period 4. correct, because the neuron is not ready to fire during the refractory period. Question 7 The tutor asks the group to draw up a flow chart to illustrate the process of synaptic transmission. Is this an appropriate way to illustrate synaptic transmission? 1. no, because a diagram should be used to represent the process 2. yes, because a flow chart should provide a great deal of detailed information 3. yes, because a flow chart should provide an overview of the process it illustrates 4. yes, because the flow of information goes in one direction only Question 8 Which of the following illustrates the correct sequence of events in the process of synaptic transmission? 1. nerve impulse stimulates bouton, neurotransmitter diffuses across synaptic cleft, vesicles attach to presynaptic membrane 2. nerve impulse stimulates bouton, transmitter deactivated by bouton, electrical changes in receiving cell 3. nerve impulse stimulates bouton, vesicles attach to membrane, neurotransmitters released and attach to receptors on postsynaptic membrane Page 2 PYC1501 ASSIGNMENT QUESTION AND ANSWERS 4. nerve impulse stimulates bouton, neurotransmitters attach to receptors, neurotransmitters cross synaptic cleft Question 9 During synaptic transmission, several excitatory inputs are required to overcome resistance and produce an impulse in the postsynaptic neuron. The tutor asks the students to select the correct term used to describe the occurrence when such an impulse is produced by simultaneous inputs from different neurons. 1. spatial summation 2. inhibition 3. temporal summation 4. excitation Question 10 The tutor asks students what determines whether a neurotransmitter will have an inhibitory or excitatory effect. One student answers that it depends on the nature of the neurotransmitter. This statement . . . 1. does not provide the correct answer because it is too vague 2. is correct because the effect depends on the quantity of the neurotransmitter in relation to the enzyme that destroys it 3. is partially correct, because other factors also play a role 4. is not correct because the effect depends on the ratio of inhibitory to excitatory neurotransmitters in a specific synapse. The tutor asks the students to draw up questions (11 - 14) for a quiz on the topic of synaptic transmission, to help them prepare for the exam. Question 11 This neurotransmitter is released by sympathetic nerves and acts on the heart, blood vessels, large skeletal muscles and accelerates metabolism. 1. acetylcholine 2. serotonin 3. adrenalin 4. endorphin Question 12 Drugs work through their effects on synaptic processes. The effects are brought about because drugs . . .neurotransmitters. 1. inhibit 2. facilitate Page 3 PYC1501 ASSIGNMENT QUESTION AND ANSWERS 3. mimic 4. all of the above Question 13 Low serotonin levels are associated with . . . just as dopamine deficiency is associated with Parkinson’s disease. 1. muscular spasms 2. suppression of pain 3. seasonal depression 4. mania The tutor realizes that many students have difficulty grasping the required knowledge on the structures of the nervous system and the functions of these structures. She draws up a table with a list of the main structures in the left hand column. She then asks the students to describe the functions associated with these structures. Questions 14 to 23 refer to this list of structures. Structure function A. Spinal cord B. Spinal nerves - afferent C. Spinal nerves – efferent D. Somatic nervous system E. Frontal F. Temporal G. Parietal H. Occipital I. Thalamus J. Hypothalamus K. Medulla oblongata L. Cerebellum M. Pons N. Reticular formation O. Tectum P. Tegmentum Q. Basal ganglia R. Hippocampus S. Limbic system