AP Psychology : Biology and Sensation

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Psychology

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Example Questions

Example Question #4 : Neurons And Action Potentials

Which two principle ions are involved in neural action potentials?

Possible Answers:

Sodium and oxygen

Carbon and hydrogen

Sodium and potassium

Sodium and glucose

Hydrogen and oxygen

Correct answer:

Sodium and potassium

Explanation:

The depolarization of the neural axon during an action potential is driven by an influx of sodium ions, entering through voltage-gated sodium channels. Following this stage, voltage-gated potassium channels are stimulated, allowing potassium ions to exit the axon and causing hyperpolarization. The sodium-potassium pump then restores the ions to their original positions in preparation for the next action potential, known as repolarization.

Example Question #5 : Neurons And Action Potentials

Which of the following is not a neurotransmitter?

Possible Answers:

Acetylcholine

GABA

Epinephrine

Glucose

Dopamine

Correct answer:

Glucose

Explanation:

Neurotransmitters are chemical substances that travel across synapses in the nervous system. Acetylcholine, dopamine, epinephrine, and GABA are all widely-studied neurotransmitters. Glucose, however, is a monosaccharide used for energy in the body. It serves no purpose as a neurotransmitter.

Example Question #6 : Neurons And Action Potentials

Which of the following types of cells serve to provide support and nourishment to neurons?

Possible Answers:

White blood cells

Adrenal cells

Glial cells

Red blood cells

Endocrine cells

Correct answer:

Glial cells

Explanation:

Glial cells are located in the nervous system, and serve as support and protection for the neurons. Schwann cells, oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and ependymal cells are all examples of neuroglia.

Example Question #1301 : Ap Psychology

List the correct order of action potential propagation through a neuron.

Possible Answers:

Receptors, dendrites, cell body, axon, synaptic terminal

Dendrites, cell body, axon, synaptic terminal, receptors

Receptors, axon, synaptic terminal, cell body, dendrites

Dendrites, receptors, cell body, axon, synaptic terminal

Dendrites, axon, cell body, synaptic terminal, receptors 

Correct answer:

Receptors, dendrites, cell body, axon, synaptic terminal

Explanation:

After crossing the synapse, neurotransmitter molecules bind to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, initiating an excitatory signal (EPSP). The signal then travels through the dendrites to the cell body, where it becomes an action potential based on the degree of stimulation from other EPSP signals. After traveling through the cell body and down the axon hillock, the signal is sent out by the axon to the axon terminal, or synaptic terminal. There, synaptic vesicles containing neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic cleft (the space between two neurons). Synaptic vesicles fuse with the membrane at the axon and release neurotransmitter into the synaptic cleft. The neurotransmitters diffuse toward the postsynaptic neuron and bind to receptors to begin the process again. Once the signal reaches an effector organ, the neurotransmitters can elicit their ultimate effect.

Example Question #1302 : Ap Psychology

What is an agonist?

Possible Answers:

A neuron that specializes in producing dopamine.

A chemical that mimics the action of a neurotransmitter.

A type of neurotransmitter.

A chemical that prevents neurotransmitter activity.

A neuron that specializes in producing acetylcholine. 

Correct answer:

A chemical that mimics the action of a neurotransmitter.

Explanation:

Agonists are chemicals that mimic the action of a neurotransmitter. Agonists bind to the same receptor sites as neurotransmitters, but cause their own unique biological responses. Agonists activate the receptors to which they bind.

Example Question #4 : Neurons And Action Potentials

Motor neurons which are responsible for movement are also called...

Possible Answers:

afferent neurons

efferent neurons

axons

interneurons

Correct answer:

efferent neurons

Explanation:

Efferent neurons are responsible for relaying information from the central nervous system to the muscles or glands. These signals allow for movement. 

Example Question #1303 : Ap Psychology

What is the name for the fatty covering over the axon that helps to speed up impulses?

Possible Answers:

Synapse

Soma

Dendrite

Neurons

Myelin Sheath

Correct answer:

Myelin Sheath

Explanation:

The Myelin Sheath is a fatty substance that covers the axon and helps speed up impulses. A neuron is a nerve cell. Dendrites are the message receiving part of a neuron, and axons are the message sending part. A synapse is the gap between the terminal buttons of the axon of one neuron and the dendrites of another neuron. Soma is a term synonymous with cell body.

Example Question #11 : Neurons And Action Potentials

Which is not a part of a neuron?

Possible Answers:

dendrites

cell wall

soma (cell body)

axon

Correct answer:

cell wall

Explanation:

Cell wall is a cell organelle found in plants, bacteria and archea; it is not found in neurons. The soma is the cells body of the neuron, this is where the nucleus contained but the dendrites and axon are not part of the soma. Dendrites are short branched extensions of a neuron where impulses are received in the synapses and transmitted to the soma. Axons are the long threadlike part of the neuron that conduct the impulses from the soma to other cells. 

Example Question #12 : Neurons And Action Potentials

Select the answers which correctly fill in the blanks:

The ________ are the message-receiving fibers on one end of a neuron, and the ________ are the message-sending fibers on the other end of a neuron.

Possible Answers:

dendrites; axons

axons; soma

dendrites; aminos

axons; dendrites

soma; stimuli

Correct answer:

dendrites; axons

Explanation:

The axons of one neuron release neurotransmitters which are received by the dendrites of the adjacent neuron.

Example Question #13 : Neurons And Action Potentials

Neurons fire based on which principle?

Possible Answers:

Principle of Voluntary Exchange

All-Half-or-Nothing Principle

None of the other answers

The Principles of Psychology

All-or-Nothing Principle

Correct answer:

All-or-Nothing Principle

Explanation:

Neurons fire according to the All-or-Nothing Principle, meaning that they will either fire completely or not at all. There is no in-between or half-fire.

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