Biological Bases of Behavior
A patient has very low serotonin levels and begins experiencing sadness and mood problems. Which neurotransmitter is MOST directly connected to this issue?
Serotonin
A gland releases chemicals into the bloodstream that affect growth, mood, and stress. This describes the:
Endocrine system
Damage to which brain structure would MOST likely affect breathing and heart rate?
Medulla
A patient can speak fluently, but their sentences make no sense and they cannot understand language. Which area is MOST likely damaged?
Wernicke’s area
Which photoreceptors are MOST important for seeing color and fine details?
Cones
A neuron reaches the minimum level needed to fire and sends an electrical signal down the axon. This process is called:
Action potential
Right before giving a speech, Ava’s body releases a hormone that increases energy and alertness. Which hormone is this?
Adrenaline
After a head injury, Jordan struggles with balance and coordination. Which brain structure was MOST likely damaged?
Cerebellum
During which sleep stage are vivid dreams MOST likely to occur?
REM sleep
The place where the optic nerve leaves the retina and contains no photoreceptors is called the:
Blind spot
A psychology student learns that neurons either fire completely or do not fire at all. This describes:
All-or-none principle
A teenager begins taking supplements to help regulate sleep and wake cycles. Which hormone is MOST involved?
Melatonin
An elderly patient cannot form new memories after brain damage. Which structure is MOST likely affected?
Hippocampus
A person repeatedly stops breathing during sleep and wakes up feeling exhausted. This disorder is called:
Sleep apnea
After staring at a green image for a long time, Sophia looks away and briefly sees red. This BEST supports:
Opponent-process theory
During a horror movie, Noah’s heart races and his breathing speeds up. Which system is MOST responsible?
Sympathetic nervous system
Researchers want to measure a sleeping person’s brain waves during REM sleep. Which technique should they use?
EEG
A person suddenly becomes unable to process fear and emotional reactions correctly after an accident. Which structure is MOST likely damaged?
Amygdala
After sitting in a room for several minutes, Mia no longer notices the strong smell of perfume. This is an example of:
Sensory adaptation
A person loses hearing because of damage to the hair cells inside the ear. This condition is called:
Sensorineural deafness
After the horror movie ends, Noah’s body slowly calms down and returns to normal. Which system is MOST responsible?
Parasympathetic nervous system
Scientists want to see which parts of the brain are most active while a person solves math problems. Which method should they use?
fMRI
After a stroke, a patient understands language but struggles to speak clearly. Which area was MOST likely damaged?
Broca’s area
At a loud party, Liam suddenly notices someone across the room say his name. This BEST demonstrates:
Cocktail party effect
A child scrapes their knee and rubs it to reduce pain. Which theory BEST explains why rubbing the area helps?
Gate control theory