The editorial team at ProProfs Quizzes consists of a select group of subject experts, trivia writers, and quiz masters who have authored over 10,000 quizzes taken by more than 100 million users. This team includes our in-house seasoned quiz moderators and subject matter experts. Our editorial experts, spread across the world, are rigorously trained using our comprehensive guidelines to ensure that you receive the highest quality quizzes.
Have you studied the biological bases of behavior? To check your knowledge, take this biological bases of the behavior practice test. This is a multiple-choice quiz based on Unit 2 materials which includes classroom notes and discussions. You can ace the quiz if you remember everything or can easily recall what you have studied. All you need is just to choose the correct answer for a perfect score on the quiz. You can share the quiz with others also, and help them check their knowledge too.
Questions and Answers
1.
The _______ is the basic building block of the nervous system.
A.
Soma
B.
Neuron
C.
Axon
D.
Terminal Branch
E.
Reflex
Correct Answer
B. Neuron
Explanation A neuron is the basic building block of the nervous system. It is a specialized cell that transmits information through electrical and chemical signals. Neurons are responsible for receiving, processing, and transmitting information throughout the body. They have a unique structure, including a cell body called the soma, which contains the nucleus and other essential organelles. Neurons also have dendrites to receive signals, an axon to transmit signals, and terminal branches to connect with other neurons or muscles. Therefore, a neuron is the correct answer as it is the fundamental unit of the nervous system.
Rate this question:
2.
Neural signals travel along a neuron in what order?
A.
Axon, dendrite, soma, terminal branches
B.
Axon, soma, dendrite, terminal branches
C.
Terminal branches, soma, dendrite, axon
D.
Dendrite, axon, soma, terminal branches
E.
Dendrite, soma, axon, terminal branches
Correct Answer
E. Dendrite, soma, axon, terminal branches
Explanation Neural signals travel along a neuron in the following order: dendrite, soma, axon, terminal branches. This is because dendrites receive incoming signals from other neurons, which are then passed to the soma (cell body). From the soma, the signals are then transmitted through the axon, which is a long fiber that carries the signals away from the soma. Finally, the signals reach the terminal branches, which release neurotransmitters to communicate with the next neuron in the circuit.
Rate this question:
3.
Natural, opiate-like neurotransmitters linked to pain control are called:
A.
ACh agonists
B.
Dendrites
C.
Morphine antagonists
D.
Endorphins
E.
Glial cells
Correct Answer
D. EndorpHins
Explanation Endorphins are natural, opiate-like neurotransmitters that are linked to pain control. They are produced by the body in response to various stimuli, such as exercise, laughter, and stress. Endorphins bind to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, reducing the perception of pain and producing feelings of pleasure and well-being. They are often referred to as the body's natural painkillers and are responsible for the "runner's high" experienced during intense exercise.
Rate this question:
4.
The _____ is the part of the limbic system that maintains homeostasis in the body in terms of temperature, hunger, and thirst.
A.
Thalamus
B.
Amygdala
C.
Hippocampus
D.
Hypothalamus
E.
Reticular formation
Correct Answer
D. Hypothalamus
Explanation The hypothalamus is the part of the limbic system that maintains homeostasis in the body in terms of temperature, hunger, and thirst. It is responsible for regulating various bodily functions such as body temperature, appetite, thirst, and sleep. It also plays a crucial role in controlling the release of hormones from the pituitary gland, which further regulates various physiological processes in the body.
Rate this question:
5.
Sleep and dreaming are regulated by the
A.
Pons
B.
Amygdala
C.
Pituitary gland
D.
Hippocampus
Correct Answer
A. Pons
Explanation The pons is responsible for regulating sleep and dreaming. It is a part of the brainstem that plays a crucial role in controlling various physiological functions, including sleep-wake cycles. The pons contains nuclei that produce neurotransmitters involved in promoting sleep and inhibiting wakefulness. Additionally, it helps coordinate the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which is the stage of sleep associated with vivid dreaming. Therefore, the pons is closely involved in the regulation of sleep and dreaming processes.
Rate this question:
6.
Phineas Gage served as an example that an individual could experience trauma to this area of the brain and survive but with personality changes.
A.
Central fissure
B.
Frontal lobe
C.
Lateral fissure
D.
Parietal complex
E.
Temporal lobe
Correct Answer
B. Frontal lobe
Explanation Phineas Gage's case demonstrated that damage to the frontal lobe of the brain can result in significant personality changes. This suggests that the frontal lobe plays a crucial role in regulating personality traits and social behavior. Gage survived a severe brain injury when an iron rod penetrated his frontal lobe, leading to alterations in his behavior, decision-making, and emotional control. This evidence supports the assertion that trauma to the frontal lobe can result in personality changes while still allowing the individual to survive.
Rate this question:
7.
A recording of brain waves using electrodes placed on the scalp is called a:
A.
EEG
B.
PET Scan
C.
GABA
D.
MRI
E.
FMRI
Correct Answer
A. EEG
Explanation An EEG (electroencephalogram) is a recording of brain waves using electrodes placed on the scalp. It is a non-invasive procedure that measures and records the electrical activity of the brain. This technique is commonly used in clinical and research settings to study brain function, diagnose neurological disorders, and monitor brain activity during sleep or in response to stimuli.
Rate this question:
8.
Peter suffers damage to his left frontal lobe and loses the ability to speak but can still understand speech. Despite the permanence of his damage, he is able to recover some of his speech due to his brain's ability to take over the lost function. This phenomenon is known by neuroscientists as:
A.
Flexibility
B.
Adaptiveness
C.
Plasticity
D.
Compensation
E.
Homeostasis
Correct Answer
C. Plasticity
Explanation Plasticity refers to the brain's ability to reorganize and adapt after damage or injury. In this case, Peter's left frontal lobe damage resulted in the loss of his ability to speak. However, his brain was able to compensate for this loss by reorganizing and taking over the lost function, allowing him to recover some of his speech abilities. This ability of the brain to adapt and rewire itself is known as plasticity.
Rate this question:
9.
An experimenter flashes the word HERON across the visual field of a split-brain patient. HER is transmitted to his right hemisphere and ON to his left hemisphere. When asked to indicate what he saw, the patient
A.
Says he saw HER but points to ON
B.
Says he saw ON but points to HER
C.
Says he saw HERON but points to HER
D.
Says he saw HERON but points to ON
Correct Answer
B. Says he saw ON but points to HER
Explanation The split-brain patient saw the word "ON" in their left visual field, which is processed by the right hemisphere of the brain. However, when asked to indicate what they saw, the patient points to "HER," which suggests that the left hemisphere, responsible for language and speech, is not aware of the information processed by the right hemisphere. This phenomenon is known as the "left hemisphere interpreter" and occurs because the left hemisphere tries to make sense of the information it receives, even if it is not directly aware of it.
Rate this question:
10.
In a split-brain procedure, which part of the brain is severed?
A.
Left hemisphere
B.
Right hemisphere
C.
Corpus callosum
D.
Occipital lobe
E.
Parietal lobe
Correct Answer
C. Corpus callosum
Explanation In a split-brain procedure, the corpus callosum is severed. The corpus callosum is a thick band of nerve fibers that connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain. By severing this connection, the communication between the two hemispheres is disrupted, resulting in a split-brain condition. This procedure is sometimes performed as a treatment for severe epilepsy to prevent the spread of seizures from one hemisphere to the other.
Rate this question:
11.
Which of the following neurotransmitters is primarily involved in the regulation of mood, sleep, and appetite?
A.
Dopamine
B.
Acetylcholine
C.
Serotonin
D.
GABA
Correct Answer
C. Serotonin
Explanation Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating various functions, including mood, sleep patterns, and appetite. Imbalances in serotonin levels have been linked to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. It also influences sleep-wake cycles, and its effects on appetite contribute to feelings of satiety and satisfaction after eating.
Rate this question:
12.
_______ form the body's two communication systems.
A.
The left and right hemispheres of the brain
B.
The dendrites and the axons
C.
The nervous system and the endocrine system
D.
Genetics and the environment
E.
Reflexes and controlled behavior
Correct Answer
C. The nervous system and the endocrine system
Explanation The nervous system and the endocrine system form the body's two communication systems. The nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, and it uses electrical signals to transmit information. The endocrine system consists of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream, and it uses chemical signals to communicate. Together, these two systems work in harmony to regulate and coordinate the body's functions and responses to internal and external stimuli.
Rate this question:
13.
_______ are biochemical substances that are released into the synaptic cleft to stimulate or suppress other neurons.
A.
Receptors
B.
Hormones
C.
Neurotransmitters
D.
Interneurons
E.
Neurohormones
Correct Answer
C. Neurotransmitters
Explanation Neurotransmitters are biochemical substances that are released into the synaptic cleft to stimulate or suppress other neurons. They are responsible for transmitting signals between neurons, allowing for communication within the nervous system. Receptors, hormones, interneurons, and neurohormones are not directly involved in this process.
Rate this question:
14.
Which signal molecule transmits nerve impulses across synapses?
A.
Nerve
B.
Neurotransmitter
C.
Action potential
D.
Neuron
Correct Answer
B. Neurotransmitter
Explanation A neurotransmitter is a signal molecule that transmits nerve impulses across synapses. When a nerve impulse reaches the end of a neuron, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters into the synapse. These neurotransmitters then bind to receptors on the receiving neuron, allowing the impulse to be transmitted from one neuron to another. Therefore, the correct answer is neurotransmitter.
Rate this question:
15.
Heartbeat is accomplished by which branch of the nervous system?
A.
Sensory
B.
Pineal
C.
Autonomic
D.
Motor
Correct Answer
C. Autonomic
Explanation The heartbeat is accomplished by the autonomic branch of the nervous system. The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary functions in the body, including the regulation of the heart rate. It consists of two divisions: the sympathetic division, which increases heart rate and prepares the body for action, and the parasympathetic division, which decreases heart rate and promotes relaxation. Therefore, the autonomic branch of the nervous system is responsible for the coordination and regulation of the heartbeat.
Rate this question:
Quiz Review Timeline +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.