AP Psychology : Biology and Sensation

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Psychology

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Example Questions

Example Question #20 : Brain And Nervous System

What section of the brain is the most basic and essential?

Possible Answers:

The forebrain

The midbrain

The backbrain

All parts of the brain are equally basic and essential

The hindbrain

Correct answer:

The hindbrain

Explanation:

The hindbrain is the most basic and essential part of the brain because it controls the simplest biological functions that sustain our lives, such as respiration and heartbeat. The hindbrain is made up of structures such as the medulla and the cerebellum. The other two major areas of the brain are the midbrain, which controls simple movements in conjunction with sensory input, and the forebrain, which controls complicated emotional and cognitive functions. 

Example Question #201 : Biology And Sensation

The limbic system regulates basic emotions, drives, and memory. Which answer choice best describes the structures included in this system?

Possible Answers:

Hippocampus, amygdala, thalamus, hypothalamus

Hippocampus, cerebellum, thalamus, hypothalamus

Hippocampus, cerebellum, thalamus, tectum

Hippocampus, amygdala, temporal lobe, hypothalamus

Medulla, amygdala, thalamus, hypothalamus

Correct answer:

Hippocampus, amygdala, thalamus, hypothalamus

Explanation:

The limbic system is commonly thought of as the hippocampus (memory), amygdala (emotion), thalamus (sensory information), and hypothalamus (basic drives, homeostasis).

Each other answer choice had one wrong structure in the list. The temporal lobe controls hearing and language, the cerebellum controls basic motor skills, the tectum controls orientation in a new environment, and the medulla helps control heart beat and respiration. 

Example Question #21 : Brain And Nervous System

Which part of the hindbrain makes up  fo the brain's volume and has two hemispheres?

Possible Answers:

Pons

Medulla

Cerebellum

Spinal cord

Correct answer:

Cerebellum

Explanation:

The cerebellum resembles the much larger cerebrum. It makes up  of the brain's volume and has two hemispheres. The cerebelum's primary function is to regulate muscle control and activity.

Example Question #21 : Brain And Nervous System

Which of these is not part of the peripheral nervous system?

Possible Answers:

Somatic nervous system

Sympathetic nervous system

Spinal cord

Parasympathetic nervous system

Correct answer:

Spinal cord

Explanation:

The central nervous system is composed of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system is composed of the somatic and autonomic nervous systems. The autonomic nervous system is composed of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. 

Example Question #1371 : Ap Psychology

When a person just so happens to be faced with an angry bear, which nervous system is in control?

Possible Answers:

Somatic nervous system

Central nervous system

Parasympathetic nervous system

Sympathetic nervous system

Correct answer:

Sympathetic nervous system

Explanation:

The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for action and mobilizes energy resources. This is considered the flight or fight reaction. 

Example Question #23 : Brain And Nervous System

Which structure is not part of the hindbrain?

Possible Answers:

Pons

Cerebellum

Corpus callosum

Medulla

Correct answer:

Corpus callosum

Explanation:

The hindbrain is composed of pons, medulla, spinal cord, reticular formation, and cerebellum. The corpus callosum is part of the forebrain. 

Example Question #22 : Brain And Nervous System

The reticular formation is responsible for which function?

Possible Answers:

Arousal system

Hunger and thirst

Skilled movement

Control center for the heart beat

Correct answer:

Arousal system

Explanation:

The reticular formation is responsible for the arousal system but not heartbeat, movement, hunger and thirst. 

Example Question #203 : Biology And Sensation

The substantia nigra is responsible for which of the following functions?

Possible Answers:

Unconscious motor actions

Emotions

Thirst and hunger

Storing new information

Correct answer:

Unconscious motor actions

Explanation:

The substantia nigra is responsible for unconscious motor actions. Emotions, storing new information and thirst and hunger are functions that happen in the forebrain. 

Example Question #961 : Individual Psychology And Behavior

The motor cortex is located in which area of the brain?

Possible Answers:

Frontal lobe

Occipital lobe

Parietal lobe

Left temporal lobe

Right temporal lobe

Correct answer:

Frontal lobe

Explanation:

The motor cortex is located in the back of the frontal lobe. It is the area of the frontal lobe responsible for voluntary movement.

Example Question #22 : Brain And Nervous System

Which of the following is not a neuron type that is found in the nervous system?

Possible Answers:

Interneurons 

Efferent neurons 

Sympathetic neurons

Sensory neurons 

Afferent neurons

Correct answer:

Sympathetic neurons

Explanation:

Sympathetic neurons are fictitious and not found in the nervous system. Afferent neurons are synonymous to sensory neurons. They are responsible for sending information in the form of a stimulus signal to the interneurons. The interneurons translate the stimulus so that information may be passed to the efferent or motor neurons. In other words, sensory neurons receive and transmit information to interneurons that then relay these messages to the motor neurons.

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