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Biological Foundations of Neural Communication Quiz

#1

Which neurotransmitter is commonly associated with pleasure and reward?

Dopamine
Explanation

Dopamine is known as the 'feel-good' neurotransmitter, linked to pleasure and reward.

#2

Which part of the neuron receives signals from other neurons?

Dendrite
Explanation

Dendrites are the extensions of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons.

#3

What is the term for the tiny gap between neurons where neurotransmitters are released?

Synapse
Explanation

The synapse is the junction between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released.

#4

Which type of neuron transmits signals from sensory organs to the central nervous system?

Sensory neuron
Explanation

Sensory neurons carry signals from sensory organs to the central nervous system for processing.

#5

Which neurotransmitter is associated with sleep, mood, and appetite regulation?

Serotonin
Explanation

Serotonin regulates mood, sleep, and appetite, among other functions.

#6

Which of the following is NOT a function of glial cells in the nervous system?

Producing neurotransmitters
Explanation

Glial cells support neurons but do not produce neurotransmitters; they provide structural and nutritional support.

#7

What is the process by which an action potential travels along the length of the neuron?

Propagation
Explanation

Propagation is the transmission of an action potential along the axon of a neuron.

#8

What is the name of the fatty substance that surrounds and insulates axons, speeding up neural impulses?

Myelin sheath
Explanation

The myelin sheath is a fatty covering around axons that accelerates the transmission of neural impulses.

#9

Which part of the brain is involved in higher-order thinking, decision making, and personality?

Frontal lobe
Explanation

The frontal lobe controls executive functions like decision making, planning, and personality.

#10

What is the term for the electrical charge difference between the inside and outside of a neuron?

Resting potential
Explanation

Resting potential is the baseline electrical charge difference across the neuron's membrane when it's not transmitting signals.

#11

Which brain structure is primarily responsible for regulating vital functions such as breathing and heart rate?

Medulla oblongata
Explanation

The medulla oblongata controls autonomic functions like breathing and heart rate.

#12

What is the term for the process by which unused synapses are eliminated during brain development?

Synaptic pruning
Explanation

Synaptic pruning is the elimination of unused synapses during brain development, refining neural connections.

#13

What is the term for the process by which neurons become more efficient at transmitting signals with repetition?

Long-term potentiation
Explanation

Long-term potentiation is the strengthening of synapses over time, enhancing signal transmission.

#14

Which brain structure is responsible for relaying sensory information to the appropriate areas of the cerebral cortex?

Thalamus
Explanation

The thalamus serves as a relay station for sensory information, directing it to the appropriate areas of the cerebral cortex.

#15

Which brain structure is involved in regulating emotions and forming long-term memories?

Hippocampus
Explanation

The hippocampus plays a key role in memory consolidation and emotional regulation.

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