AP Psychology : Biology and Sensation

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Psychology

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Example Questions

Example Question #4 : Brain And Nervous System

Which of the following is the best definition of an electroencephalogram?

Possible Answers:

A tool used to measure the brain's electrical impulses.

The process by which neurons are regenerated in the brain

A tool used to measure blood flow in the brain

The electrical current regulating brain activity

A tool to measure the number of electrons in the brain

Correct answer:

A tool used to measure the brain's electrical impulses.

Explanation:

The purpose of an electroencephalogram (EEG) is to determine the electrical activity in the brain by the use of electrodes. These electrodes are connected to the scalp and are used to detect brain waves from the neurons of the brain. It is often used in sleep research.

Example Question #191 : Biology And Sensation

The brain and spinal cord make up the ___________.

Possible Answers:

Somatic Nervous System

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Central Nervous System

Autonomic Nervous System

Peripheral Nervous System

Correct answer:

Central Nervous System

Explanation:

The brain and spinal cord together make up the Central Nervous System. The Peripheral Nervous System and all of its subdivisions are composed of the various neural pathways to and from the brain/spinal cord.

Example Question #11 : Brain And Nervous System

The hypothalamus plays a key role in which of the following brain functions?

Possible Answers:

Memory

Breathing

Pain perception

Regulating body temperature

Correct answer:

Regulating body temperature

Explanation:

Located below the thalamus, the hypothalamus controls the pituitary gland and regulates biological needs, including homeostasis (body temperature), sexual drive, aggressive behavior, and hunger. 

Example Question #191 : Biology And Sensation

Which part of the human nervous system is responsible for the "fight or flight" mechanism?

Possible Answers:

Flaterra nervous system

Sympathetic nervous system

Parasympathetic nervous system

Somatic nervous system

Response-driven nervous system

Correct answer:

Sympathetic nervous system

Explanation:

The sympathetic nervous system responds to threats (for example, an angry lion walks near you) through the fight or flight mechanism. In the prior example, you could choose to battle the lion (fight) or run away from the lion (flight).

Example Question #64 : Biology

Which part of the brain is responsible for heart rate control, respiration and blood pressure?

Possible Answers:

hindbrain

midbrain

forebrain

hypothalamus

Correct answer:

hindbrain

Explanation:

The hindbrain is composed of structrures responsible for the control of heart rate, respiration and blood pressure. 

Example Question #192 : Biology And Sensation

After a stressful or arousing situation, which division of the nervous system is responsible for calming someone down?

Possible Answers:

Somatic Nervous System

Sympathetic Nervous System

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Apathetic Nervous System

Correct answer:

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Explanation:

A subdivision of the Autonomic Nervous System, the Parasympathetic Nervous System is responsible for returning the body to a calm state after experiencing stress or arousal. The Sympathetic Nervous System arouses the body (i.e. - pupil dilation, increased heartbeat, sweating, etc.). The Somatic Nervous System is responsible for voluntary muscle control.

Example Question #193 : Biology And Sensation

What are the two major divisions of the Nervous System?

Possible Answers:

Autonomic and Peripheral

Autonomic and Somatic

Central and Autonomic

Central and Peripheral

Sympathetic and Parasympathetic

Correct answer:

Central and Peripheral

Explanation:

The Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) are the two major divisions of the body's nervous system. The CNS is comprised of the brain and spinal cord, while the PNS is all the nerves outside of that. Further subdivisions of the PNS are the Somatic Nervous System (for voluntary muscle movements) and the Autonomic Nervous System (for responses to stress). The Autonomic is divided between the Sympathetic Nervous System (arouses the body under stress) and the Parasympathetic Nervous System (calms the body down after stress).

Example Question #194 : Biology And Sensation

Which of the following is an incorrect connection between brain lobe and function?

Possible Answers:

Parietal Lobes - processes tactile sensations

All of the answers are correct

Temporal Lobes - processes sound

Occipital Lobe - controls emotions

Frontal Lobe - controls voluntary movements

Correct answer:

Occipital Lobe - controls emotions

Explanation:

The Occipital Lobe is responsible for processing vision. The Frontal Lobe controls emotions in its prefrontal cortex.

Example Question #195 : Biology And Sensation

Which action would be most typically impaired when the cerebellum is depressed?

Possible Answers:

The ability to incorporate new memories into a web of old knowledge

The ability to think abstractly

The ability to process visual information

The ability to walk in a straight line

The ability to feel emotion

Correct answer:

The ability to walk in a straight line

Explanation:

When the cerebellum is depressed (such as from alcohol use), the ability most typically impaired would be the one to walk in a straight line because the cerebellum controls and coordinates muscle skills. 

The ability to think abstractly is controlled by the frontal lobe, the ability to process visual information is controlled by the occipital lobe, ability to incoporate new memories into a web of old knowledge is controlled by the hippocampus, and the ability to feel emotion is controlled by the amygdala. 

Example Question #196 : Biology And Sensation

Which type of medical test would show the brain structures (and therefore detect any tumors that may be present) but not any brain waves or activity?

Possible Answers:

Ultrasound

PET

fMRI

EEG

CAT or CT scan

Correct answer:

CAT or CT scan

Explanation:

CAT or CT scans use the densities of tissues in order to produce a 3D image of the brain's structures (but not waves or activity), which can then be used to find tumors. 

EEGs detect electrical activity in the brain and are often used in sleep research. fMRIs detect brain activity by showing blood flow in the brain. PET scans detect brain activity by showing how much of a certain substance is being used in a certain part of the brain. Ultrasounds are not generally used for the brain and are most commonly used for fetal imaging. 

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