Exam 2: The Biological Perspective

Maricella is typing her term paper in the computer lab. Although a class is going on just a few feet away, she does not seem to notice. Which part of the brain allows Maricella to focus on her typing and ignore the distractions that surround her?

Sheldon has been extremely afraid of cats since he was scratched as a 5-year-old. Whenever he sees a cat, he remembers the time he was scratched across his face, and he starts to feel afraid. If a cat comes toward him, he often runs away immediately, as he is afraid of being scratched again. Sheldon's behaviors and recollection of this trauma are a result of the __________ in the limbic system.

Myelin not only insulates the neuron, it also slows down the neural message, helping with transmission of messages traveling down the axon.

Hormones are chemicals that are secreted and go directly into __________.

Eating, drinking, sexual behavior, sleeping, and body temperature are most strongly influenced by the __________.

__________ are three-dimensional proteins on the surface of the dendrites or certain cells of the muscles and glands that are shaped to fit only certain neurotransmitters.

Casey is putting mustard on her hot dog. She realizes she has put too much and sucks up some of it back into the squeeze bottle. This process is similar to __________.

The forebrain is one of __________ operationally distinct sections of the brain.

Rocco has been overweight since childhood. He diets frequently and can lose weight, but always seems to gain it back because he is unable to control his eating. Rocco may have a problem with his __________.

The function of the __________ is to carry information to and from all parts of the body.

The pea-sized gland that is stimulated by light and helps regulate activity levels over the course of a day is the __________ gland.

Nicole and Camille are synchronized swimmers for their college swim team. They often work long hours to ensure the movements in their routine are perfectly timed. What part of their brains must Camille and Nicole rely most upon?

Which of the following neurotransmitters is known for its role in schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease?

Curare, a poison, works by __________.

The branchlike structures that receive messages from other neurons are called __________.

Which of the following insulates and protects a neuron's axon, as well as helps speed along electrical impulses?

Since Naomi suffered a head injury in a car accident 3 months ago, she has not experienced dreams as she did in the past. She used to have vivid, active dreams. Which part of her brain was most likely affected during the car accident and is related to her problem dreaming?

The point at which the nerves from the left side of the body cross over into the right side of the brain and vice versa is called the __________.

Which of the following would be active if you have just had an automobile accident?

Although oxytocin has been tied to a variety of prosocial behaviors such as "love" and "trust," some researchers believe that in humans, it may actually work to increase __________.