AP Psychology : Biology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Psychology

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Example Questions

Example Question #111 : Biology

Which of the following is the best definition of neuroplasticity?

Possible Answers:

The ability of the brain to change, in structure, shape, and function, over the course of a lifetime

The ability of each of the brain's halves to duplicate the function of the other half, allowing humans to survive/thrive with only half a brain if necessary

The ability of the brain to "work around" damaged areas, diverting the former functions of damaged tissues elsewhere

The ability of the brain to, over time, regenerate lost neural tissue, and replace broken neural connections

Correct answer:

The ability of the brain to change, in structure, shape, and function, over the course of a lifetime

Explanation:

Neuroplasticity replaced the former "static organ" model of brain functioning through recognition that in response to changes in behavior, environment, or even injury to the brain, the brain's functions, structure and shape can change. This plasticity occurs at both the synaptic and non-synaptic levels.

Example Question #236 : Biology And Sensation

The __________ is/are a ring-shaped association of different brain structures in the forebrain, commonly associated with emotions and memories.

Possible Answers:

limbic system

association areas

somatic system

hippocampal grouping

Correct answer:

limbic system

Explanation:

The limbic system is composed of the septum, cingulate gyrus, hypothalamus, and amygdala, plus other more minor formations. This system is particularly associated with the formation of memory.

Example Question #237 : Biology And Sensation

The transmission of neural impulses in the brain is regulated through __________.

Possible Answers:

the release of excitatory neurotransmitters

the process of reuptake of neurotransmitters

the action of enzymes that break down neurotransmitters

All of the other answers

the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters

Correct answer:

All of the other answers

Explanation:

All of the answers lead to regulation of neurotransmitters in the brain, thus leading to regulation of neural impulses. A combination of releasing inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters and also removing them from the synapses leads to the diverse neural impulses in the brain.

Example Question #112 : Biology

Angie comes home after school and discovers that her front door is ajar and several windows on her house have been broken. Suddenly, her breathing and heart rate quicken. Her blood pressure increased and she has goose bumps and sweaty palms. Which of the following parts of Angie's nervous system is being activated?

Possible Answers:

Central nervous system

Basic nervous system

Somatic nervous system

Autonomic nervous system

Correct answer:

Autonomic nervous system

Explanation:

The autonomic nervous system is made up of nerves that connect to the heart, blood vessels, smooth muscles, and glands. The autonomic nervous system controls automatic and involuntary physiological arousals that occur when people experience emotions. In this case, Angie is experiencing a lot of fear or other emotions due to the break in and her autonomic nervous system is hijacking her body, preparing her for a possible fight or flight situation. 

Like the autonomic nervous system, the somatic nervous system is part of the peripheral nervous system; however, its function is for voluntary skeletal muscles and sensory receptors. The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord, but doesn't include the peripheral nerves that made Angie react the way she did. The basic nervous system is not a real system. 

Example Question #113 : Biology

Typically, research on cerebral specialization has supported which of the following findings?

Possible Answers:

The left hemisphere of the brain handles most visual-spatial functions while the right brain handles language

The right hemisphere of the brain handles most visual-spatial functions while the left brain handles language

If you lose functioning in one side of the brain, then the other side of the brain cannot compensate for the loss

The left and right hemispheres handle visual-spatial functions and language functions about equally

Correct answer:

The right hemisphere of the brain handles most visual-spatial functions while the left brain handles language

Explanation:

Research has shown that different parts of the brain handle different tasks. Typically, the right hemisphere of the brain handles most visual-spatial functions while the left hemisphere handles language. Exceptions to this rule are when a person is born or develops some sort of brain abnormality or damage. In this case, the brain often adapts so that one hemisphere takes over the job of the other one. 

Example Question #62 : Brain And Nervous System

Which of the following parts of the brain enables communication between the left and right hemispheres? 

Possible Answers:

Corpus callosum

Frontal gyrus 

Temporal lobe

Frontal lobe

Correct answer:

Corpus callosum

Explanation:

The corpus callosum is a large band of fibers that relays signals between the two hemispheres of the brain.

Example Question #114 : Biology

Prescription painkillers typically have the greatest effect on which of the following neurotransmitters?

Possible Answers:

Glutamate

Endorphins

Serotonin

GABA

Dopamine

Correct answer:

Endorphins

Explanation:

Endorphins—released during exercise, sex, and excitement—work in relieving pain symptoms. Analgesics, painkillers, are developed to have similar neurological reactions with longer-lasting effects.

Example Question #115 : Biology

Which of the following lobes of the brain plays an important role in processing visual information, but not processing auditory information or producing motor movements.

Possible Answers:

Occipital lobe

None of these

Parietal lobe

Temporal lobe

Frontal lobe

Correct answer:

Occipital lobe

Explanation:

The occipital lobe is important for the sense of sight, and contains areas such as the primary visual cortex (i.e. V1). The temporal lobe is important for the sense of hearing. The parietal lobe is important for integrating sensory information of all types. Last, the frontal lobe is important for planning and decision-making.

Example Question #116 : Biology

Cynthia hears her mother scream downstairs. Immediately she feels agitation and fear. Which nervous symptom is responsible for this response?

Possible Answers:

Somatic nervous system

Central nervous system

Sympathetic nervous system

Parasympathetic nervous system

Correct answer:

Sympathetic nervous system

Explanation:

The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the "fight or flight" response, which is generally due to a rush of adrenaline that allows the body to respond maximally to a potential threat. 

While interesting, the other answers are incorrect. The parasympathetic nervous system is incorrect because this is the system that counters the body's stress response produced by the sympathetic nervous system. The central nervous system is responsible for the nerves within the skeletal structure as well as motor movements. It consists of the brainstem and spinal cord. Last, the somatic nervous system controls voluntary muscle movements. 

Example Question #117 : Biology

Which of the following is not a neurotransmitter?

Possible Answers:

Acetylcholine

Norepinephrine

Melanin

Glutamate

Correct answer:

Melanin

Explanation:

Melanin is a pigment found in the skin and eyes, but also in the brain. It is not to be confused with melatonin, a hormone and neurotransmitter. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter associated with, among other things, the stimulation of muscle contractions. Norepinephrine is both a hormone and a neurotransmitter and helps return the body to homeostasis after the release of epinephrine (adrenaline). Last, glutamate is a neurotransmitter associated with nearly all (about 90%) synapse connections.

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