Exam 4: The Brain: Source of Mind and Self

If a drug boosts levels of a neurotransmitter and it is effective in treating a disorder, then it indicates that the disorder was caused by abnormal neurotransmitter levels.

Phineas Gage experienced a dramatic personality change as a result of damage to his:

Which of the following statements is FALSE?

The authors note that a brain without a peripheral nervous system would be like a radio without a receiver. Explain what is meant by this analogy.

One purpose of the ________ is to prevent signals in adjacent cells from interfering with each other.

Structures of the limbic system play an important role in ________ and ________.

When a neurotransmitter binds briefly with a receptor site, the ultimate effect is either excitatory or inhibitory. Explain the effects of each.

After a serious head injury, Tom has difficulty doing a series of tasks in the proper sequence. In addition, he cannot stop doing a task at the appropriate time. It is most likely that Tom's ________ was injured.

The ________ instantly assesses anger or threat.

The functioning of blood vessels, glands, and internal organs is regulated by the:

The fluctuating levels of estrogen and progesterone make many women emotional before menstruation.

The parasympathetic nervous system acts like an accelerator on a car, mobilizing the body for action and for an output of energy.

Research by contemporary neuroscientists has shown that:

Which of the following is NOT a function of the nervous system?

Match these descriptions with the appropriate brain imaging or recording method. -A method for recording neural activity detected by coin-like electrodes taped to the scalp.

The diagram of the limbic system in our textbook showed a small almond-shaped structure that appears to be responsible for evaluating sensory information, quickly determining its emotional importance, and contributing to the initial decision to approach or withdraw from a person or situation. This structure is the ________.

Jeff is writing a term paper on the role of oxytocin. He decides to emphasize the important role that this hormone plays in regard to:

In the first chapter of our textbook we read about Joseph Gall, the Austrian physician whose pseudoscientific fad of phrenology became widely popular. Explain Gall's theory of phrenology, noting the aspects that were completely wrong and the general notions that had merit based upon our current knowledge of the brain.

The "decision" as to whether a neuron will produce a response or not depends upon the:

Which of the following neurotransmitters affects neurons involved in sleep, appetite, sensory perception, temperature regulation, pain suppression, and mood?