AP Psychology : Biology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Psychology

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Example Questions

Example Question #161 : Biology

Which of the following choices best describes the endocrine gland in the brain that releases gland activating hormones?

Possible Answers:

Pituitary gland

Pineal gland

Parathyroid gland

Thymus gland

Correct answer:

Pituitary gland

Explanation:

The pituitary gland activates other glands in the endocrine system by releasing hormones. It also releases hormones that are resonsible for growth; sometimes the pituitary gland is known as the "master gland". 

Example Question #1451 : Ap Psychology

Which of the following parts of the endocrine system releases hormones that help the body in times of stress?

Possible Answers:

Adrenal glands

Testes

Ovaries

Thyroid gland

Pancreas

Correct answer:

Adrenal glands

Explanation:

The adrenal glands secrete the hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine to trigger the "fight-or-flight" response that helps the body in times of distress.

Example Question #1452 : Ap Psychology

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that helps in motor skills and in the release of some neurotransmitters. Which of the following disorders could be due to a deficiency in acetylcholine levels?

Possible Answers:

Celiac disease

All of these

Sleep apnea

GABA

Alzheimer's disease 

Correct answer:

Alzheimer's disease 

Explanation:

Alzheimer's disease is cause by low levels of Acetylcholine in some parts of the brain. This neurotransmitter is responsible for alertness, aggression, and other emotions.

Example Question #14 : Endocrine System

Which of the following neurotransmitters is responsible for helping the brain retain newly learned information?

Possible Answers:

Endorphins

Serotonin 

None of these

Dopamine

Acetylcholine

Correct answer:

Acetylcholine

Explanation:

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that helps the brain retain newly learned information. It also aids in the control of the heart’s beat rate.

Example Question #1456 : Ap Psychology

Which is the correct pathway that leads to the release of cortisol in the body?

Possible Answers:

Adrenal glands --> pituitary gland --> hypothalamus --> cortisol

Hypothalamus --> adrenal glands --> pituitary gland --> cortisol

Thalamus --> pituitary gland --> adrenal glands --> cortisol

Hypothalamus --> pituitary gland --> adrenal glands --> cortisol

Thalamus --> adrenal glands --> pituitary gland --> cortisol

Correct answer:

Hypothalamus --> pituitary gland --> adrenal glands --> cortisol

Explanation:

This called the HPA axis, which is a neuroendocrine system in the body that responds to stress and releases cortisol.

Example Question #161 : Biology

What is considered the primary advantage of endocrine communication (using hormones) throughout the body as compared to neural communication (using neurotransmitters)?

Possible Answers:

The changes to the body induced by hormones last for much longer than those induced by neurotransmitters.

Neurotransmitters often fail to reach their intended targets, while hormones inevitably arrive where they are intended.

The changes to the body created by neurotransmitters are harder to reverse after danger passes than the ones created by hormones.

There is a limited supply of neurotransmitters, while the supply of hormones is virtually unlimited.

Correct answer:

The changes to the body induced by hormones last for much longer than those induced by neurotransmitters.

Explanation:

Hormones, or chemicals released by the endocrine system into the bloodstream for delivery throughout the body, have a much longer lifespan than neurotransmitters, and induce changes to body systems that last for hours, days, or which can even be permanent.

Example Question #1461 : Ap Psychology

Which gland in the body is responsible for influencing levels of excitability via influencing the levels of calcium and phosphates in the bloodstream?

Possible Answers:

Thyroid gland

Parathyroid gland

Pineal gland

Pituitary gland

Correct answer:

Parathyroid gland

Explanation:

The parathyroid gland can also release large doses of parathyroid hormone into the body in response to low blood calcium, a process which may influence the development of osteoporosis.

Example Question #162 : Biology

Which of the following is NOT typically symptomatic of an excess of thyroxine (hyperthyroidism)?

Possible Answers:

Insomnia

Excitability

Weight gain

Fatigue

Correct answer:

Weight gain

Explanation:

Hyperthyroidism also causes a reduced attention span and can lead to long-term neurological problems, and is typically treated with medication and (when necessary) surgical intervention. Hyperthyrodism can often result in a loss of necessary body weight, as opposed to weight gain. Hypothyrodism can result in weight gain.

Example Question #1461 : Ap Psychology

One example of a hormone which operates on a positive feedback loop is _____________.

Possible Answers:

Thyroxine

Testosterone

ACTH

Oxytocin

Correct answer:

Oxytocin

Explanation:

Oxytocin works on a positive feedback loop because the actions which oxytocin causes also cause more oxytocin to be produced. This can be seen, among other examples, in the contractions of labor.

Example Question #163 : Biology

Neurotransmitters and hormones both send chemical messages. Which of the following best explains the difference between neurotransmitters and hormones?

Possible Answers:

Hormones are slower than neurotransmitters

Hormones are transmitted through the bloodstream and not between neurons

Hormones are part of the endocrine system and not the nervous system

All of these

Correct answer:

All of these

Explanation:

Neurotransmitters and hormones are both types of chemical messages. Because hormones are transmitted through the circulatory system, they take much longer for the messages to be received compared to the nervous system, which sends signals extremely quickly. Different glands secrete hormones in the endocrine system like the pituitary gland and adrenal gland. 

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