Human Biology, 7e (Johnson)

Chapter 11 The Nervous System: Integration and Control

11.1 Multiple Choice Questions

1) The central nervous system is composed of which of the following?

A) brain and spinal cord
B) autonomic nervous system and brain
C) somatic division and autonomic division
D) sensory division and motor division
E) somatic division and motor division
Answer: A
Topic: Sec. 11.1
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

2) Which one of the following provides the central nervous system with information about the
outside environment?
A) motor division
B) sympathetic division
C) parasympathetic division
D) sensory division
E) autonomic division
Answer: D
Topic: Sec. 11.1
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

3) The motor division of the peripheral nervous system sends information to all of the following
EXCEPT which one?
A) somatic division
B) autonomic division
C) sensory division
D) parasympathetic division
E) sympathetic division
Answer: C
Topic: Sec. 11.1
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

4) Electrical impulses are transmitted between components of the central nervous system via
which one of the following?
A) glial cells
B) motor neurons
C) sensory neurons
D) interneurons
E) macrophages
Answer: D
Topic: Sec. 11.2
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension
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5) Axons branch into axon terminals, which have ________ located at the terminal ends.
A) Schwann cells
B) dendrites
C) nodes of Ranvier
D) bulbs
E) hillocks
Answer: D
Topic: Sec. 11.2
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

6) Which one of the following cells transmit impulses away from the central nervous system to
the muscles and other organs?
A) motor neurons
B) interneurons
C) sensory neurons
D) neuroglia
E) dendrites
Answer: A
Topic: Sec. 11.2
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

7) During which one of the following phases of an action potential do the sodium channels close
and potassium channels open, releasing potassium from the neuron?
A) depolarization
B) reestablishment of resting potential
C) saltatory propagation
D) both depolarization and repolarization
E) repolarization
Answer: E
Topic: Sec. 11.3
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

8) Which one of the following steps occurs during the absolute refractory period?
A) The neuron cannot generate an action potential.
B) Sodium channels open, releasing sodium ions into the neuron; potassium channels close.
C) Sodium and potassium channels open.
D) A nerve impulse is propagated.
E) Potassium channels open, releasing potassium ions from the neuron; sodium channels close.
Answer: A
Topic: Sec. 11.3
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

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9) Which one of the following occurs with each cycle of the sodium-potassium pump?
A) Sodium is moved into the cell, creating a net negative charge outside the cell.
B) The net effect is removal of one osmotic particle and one positive charge from inside the cell.
C) The net effect is removal of one osmotic particle and one negative charge from inside the cell.
D) The inside of the cell becomes more negative as potassium is pumped out.
E) Two potassium ions and three sodium ions are pumped out of the cell.
Answer: B
Topic: Sec. 11.3
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

10) Which one of the following happens during repolarization of a neuron?

A) Sodium channels close, and potassium rushes out of the cell to temporarily reestablish the
membrane potential.
B) Potassium channels close, preventing further loss of positive ions.
C) The sodium-potassium pump is turned off.
D) Sodium channels open to allow sodium ions to rush back out of the cell.
E) The membrane potential is eliminated.
Answer: A
Topic: Sec. 11.3
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

11) A neuron at rest has a charge difference across its cell membrane, with the interior of the cell
negative relative to the exterior. This difference in charge across the plasma membrane is
referred to as ________ potential
A) action
B) resting
C) graded
D) refractory
E) depolarization
Answer: B
Topic: Sec. 11.3
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

12) Each of the following statements correctly describes an action potential EXCEPT which
one?
A) Once triggered, an action potential always looks exactly the same in form and voltage.
B) An action potential continues to propagate itself into the next region of an axon.
C) Action potentials are propagated by the sodium-potassium pump.
D) Action potentials include a depolarization phase followed by a repolarization phase.
E) Action potentials temporarily reverse the polarization of the axon membrane.
Answer: C
Topic: Sec. 11.3
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

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13) Which one of the following establishes and maintains the resting potential?
A) Na+ leak channel
B) K+ leak channel
C) sodium-potassium pump
D) depolarization
E) repolarization
Answer: C
Topic: Sec. 11.3
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

14) By which one of the following methods is a stronger stimulus coded by neurons differently
from a weaker stimulus?
A) A stronger stimulus results in greater depolarization.
B) A stronger stimulus results in more action potentials/unit time.
C) A stronger stimulus results in action potentials, which travel faster.
D) A stronger stimulus results in hyperpolarization of the neuron.
E) A stronger stimulus results in prolonged influx of Na+ ions and a delay before repolarization.
Answer: B
Topic: Sec. 11.3
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

15) All of the following are functions of the myelin sheath EXCEPT which one?
A) The myelin sheath speeds up transmission of action potentials.
B) The myelin sheath insulates a neuron and saves the neuron energy.
C) The myelin sheath plays an important role in synaptic transmission.
D) The myelin sheath is involved in the repair of damaged neurons in the peripheral nervous
system.
Answer: C
Topic: Sec. 11.4
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

16) Oligodendrocytes are similar to Schwann cells in that they

A) are a type of neuroglial cell
B) are located in the central nervous system
C) conduct nerve impulses
D) help neurons regenerate after injury
E) are located in the peripheral nervous system
Answer: A
Topic: Sec. 11.4
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

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17) Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a demyelinating disease that results from nerve
damage in the
A) brain
B) diaphragm
C) intercostal muscles
D) spinal cord
E) sensory nerves
Answer: D
Topic: Sec. 11.4
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

18) Cells that provide direct protection and physical support to neurons are
A) located only in the spinal fluid
B) found primarily in lymphatic fluids
C) myelinated
D) neuroglial cells
E) nodes of Ranvier
Answer: D
Topic: Sec. 11.4
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

19) Saltatory conduction is

A) the process of conduction leaping along myelinated neurons
B) an action potential generated in taste receptors or buds
C) the movement of neurotransmitters across a synaptic cleft
D) the activation of the fight-or-flight response
E) the movement of an electrical impulse from the dendrite to an axon
Answer: A
Topic: Sec. 11.4
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

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Use the figure below to answer the following questions.

20) Which one of the following processes is depicted in the figure above?
A) hyperpolarization of an axon bulb
B) repolarization of a neuron
C) synaptic transmission
D) inhibition of a presynaptic neuron
E) antagonistic effects of the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems
Answer: C
Topic: Sec. 11.5
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

21) During synaptic transmission, the influx of ________ causes vesicles in the axon bulb to fuse
with the cell membrane, releasing ________.
A) mitochondrion, neurons
B) Ca2+, neurotransmitter
C) neurotransmitters, Ca2+
D) vesicles, neurons
E) neurons, mitochondrion
Answer: B
Topic: Sec. 11.5
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

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22) Which one of the following events associated with the transmission of an impulse across a
synapse occurs last?
A) Action potential arrives at an axon bulb.
B) Neurotransmitter is released into synaptic cleft.
C) Chemically gated channels for sodium open.
D) Calcium diffuses into an axon bulb.
E) Neurotransmitter binds to receptors on postsynaptic membrane.
Answer: C
Topic: Sec. 11.5
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

23) There are several toxins that interfere with synaptic transmission. Botulism toxin, for
example, interferes with the fusion of acetylcholine-containing vesicles with the membrane of
the axon bulb. This would result in which one of the following?
A) blockage of Ca2+ diffusion into the axon
B) slow diffusion of the neurotransmitter across the synaptic cleft
C) inability of neurotransmitter to bind the receptor on the postsynaptic membrane
D) blocking of neurotransmitter release by the presynaptic membrane
E) hyperpolarization of the postsynaptic membrane
Answer: D
Topic: Sec. 11.5
Skill: Application/Analysis

24) Excitatory neurotransmitters encourage the generation of new electrical impulses by which
one of the following?
A) stimulating saltatory conduction
B) stimulating depolarization of postsynaptic neurons
C) inhibiting postsynaptic neurons from repolarizing
D) inhibiting presynaptic neurons from depolarizing
E) stimulating depolarization of presynaptic neurons
Answer: B
Topic: Sec. 11.5
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

25) Convergence occurs when several presynaptic cells

A) depolarize simultaneously
B) depolarize sequentially
C) form a synapse with a single postsynaptic cell
D) activate the sodium-potassium pump of a Schwann cell
E) form a synapse with multiple postsynaptic cells
Answer: C
Topic: Sec. 11.5
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

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26) Which one of the following types of neurotransmitter functions as an inhibitory agent,
typically suppressing the sensation of pain?
A) endorphins
B) acetylcholine
C) epinephrine
D) serotonin
E) somatostatin
Answer: A
Topic: Sec. 11.5
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

27) Which one of the following is NOT directly involved in the production of a typical spinal
reflex?
A) brain
B) sensory neuron
C) motor neuron
D) interneuron
E) stimulus
Answer: A
Topic: Sec. 11.6
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

28) Control of smooth muscle and internal organs is the role of the ________ division of the
nervous system?
A) sensory
B) autonomic
C) endocrine
D) somatic
E) postsynaptic
Answer: B
Topic: Sec. 11.6
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

29) Both voluntary and involuntary skeletal muscle movement are controlled through which one
of the following divisions of the nervous system?
A) sensory division
B) sympathetic division
C) parasympathetic division
D) somatic division
E) endocrine division
Answer: D
Topic: Sec. 11.6
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

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30) Which one of the following divisions of the nervous system predominates during the relaxed
state?
A) sensory division
B) sympathetic division
C) somatic division
D) parasympathetic division
E) endocrine division
Answer: D
Topic: Sec. 11.6
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

31) Which one of the following activities would be facilitated by the sympathetic nervous
system?
A) increased digestion and absorption
B) decreased respiratory rate
C) increased blood pressure
D) decreased heart rate
E) increased bladder contraction
Answer: C
Topic: Sec. 11.6
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

32) Preganglionic motor neurons of the ________ division of the nervous system originate in the
thoracic and lumbar regions of the spinal cord.
A) sympathetic
B) parasympathetic
C) central nervous system
D) paralumbar
E) cerebral cortex
Answer: A
Topic: Sec. 11.6
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

33) The central nervous system is enclosed by membranes or meninges called the
A) dura mater, alma mater, and pia mater
B) fore, mid, and hind meninges
C) dura mater, pia mater, and arachnoid
D) pleura, parietal, and arachnoid
E) glial, Schwann, and interstitial
Answer: C
Topic: Sec. 11.7
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

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34) During a brain surgery, a surgeon passes an instrument through the dura mater. Which one of
the following does the surgeon pass through next?
A) bones of the skull
B) vertebrae
C) cerebrospinal fluid
D) pia mater
E) arachnoid
Answer: E
Topic: Sec. 11.7
Skill: Application/Analysis

35) From an evolutionary standpoint, which of the following structures is considered the oldest,
most primitive division of the brain?
A) forebrain
B) midbrain
C) hindbrain
D) cerebrum
E) medulla oblongata
Answer: C
Topic: Sec. 11.8
Skill: Knowledge

36) The region of brain that coordinates antagonistic muscle movements is the
A) medulla oblongata
B) cerebellum
C) pons
D) thalamus
E) occipital lobe
Answer: B
Topic: Sec. 11.8
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

37) The three main anatomical and functional divisions of the brain are the
A) forebrain, midbrain, hindbrain
B) frontal, parietal, occipital
C) cerebellum, medulla oblongata, pons
D) ventricles, meninges, nerve tracts
E) hypothalamus, thalamus, pituitary
Answer: A
Topic: Sec. 11.8
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

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38) The reticular formation is associated with
A) wakefulness, posture, and muscle tone
B) vision
C) regulation of heart rate and blood pressure
D) conscious thought
E) water and solute balance
Answer: A
Topic: Sec. 11.8
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

39) The left and right sides of the cerebrum are interconnected by which one of the following?
A) pons
B) medulla oblongata
C) corpus callosum
D) thalamus
E) cerebral cortex
Answer: C
Topic: Sec. 11.8
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

40) Regulation of the production of breast milk, carbohydrate metabolism, and temperature
control are some of the functions of the
A) frontal lobe
B) midbrain
C) medulla oblongata
D) thalamus
E) hypothalamus
Answer: E
Topic: Sec. 11.8
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

41) Control of respiratory rate, heart rate, and blood pressure is integrated through the
A) cerebral cortex
B) cerebellum
C) thalamus
D) hypothalamus
E) medulla oblongata
Answer: E
Topic: Sec. 11.8
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

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42) Which one of the following parts of the brain effectively links the nervous system and the
endocrine system?
A) medulla oblongata
B) cerebral cortex
C) corpus callosum
D) hypothalamus
E) cerebellum
Answer: D
Topic: Sec. 11.8
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

43) Conscious thought is associated with which one of the following?

A) cerebellum
B) cerebral cortex
C) medulla oblongata
D) hypothalamus
E) thalamus
Answer: B
Topic: Sec. 11.8
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

44) When a person changes from one level of sleep to another during the night, neuronal activity
in which one of the following brain regions increases?
A) limbic
B) hypothalamus
C) reticular activating system (RAS)
D) corpus callosum
E) pons
Answer: C
Topic: Sec. 11.9
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

45) Which of the following parts of the brain is associated with emotions and behavior?
A) corpus callosum
B) limbic system
C) cerebellum
D) hypothalamus
E) medulla oblongata
Answer: B
Topic: Sec. 11.10
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

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46) Short-term memory is associated with the ________, whereas long-term memory is
associated with the ________.
A) limbic system, cerebral cortex
B) cerebral cortex, hypothalamus
C) cerebral cortex, limbic system
D) hypothalamus, cerebral cortex
E) limbic system, hypothalamus
Answer: A
Topic: Sec. 11.11
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

47) All of the following statements about psychoactive drugs are TRUE EXCEPT which one?
A) Psychoactive drugs typically bind to the medulla oblongata.
B) Psychoactive drugs are able to cross the blood-brain barrier.
C) Psychoactive drugs directly affect neurotransmitters.
D) Psychoactive drugs change the normal patterns of brain electrical activity.
E) Many psychoactive drugs lead to dependence, tolerance, and addiction.
Answer: A
Topic: Sec. 11.12
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

48) Insufficient production of acetylcholine in the synapses of the brain, abnormal tangled
neurons, and large deposits of beta-amyloid are problems associated with which one of the
following diseases?
A) meningitis
B) Alzheimer's disease
C) rabies
D) Parkinson's disease
E) epilepsy
Answer: B
Topic: Sec. 11.13
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

49) Which one of the following diseases is caused by a virus that is introduced to the body
through the skin and travels along sensory neurons to the brain?
A) meningitis
B) rabies
C) epilepsy
D) Alzheimer's disease
E) Parkinson's disease
Answer: B
Topic: Sec. 11.13
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

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50) Which one of the following diseases is a progressive degenerative disorder caused by
destruction of dopamine-releasing neurons in the brain that coordinate muscle movement?
A) Alzheimer's disease
B) epilepsy
C) encephalitis
D) Parkinson's disease
E) rabies
Answer: D
Topic: Sec. 11.13
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

11.2 True/False Questions

1) The two major subdivisions of the nervous system are the central nervous system and the
limbic nervous system.
Answer: FALSE
Topic: Sec. 11.1
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

2) All cells that make up the nervous system have excitable membranes.
Answer: FALSE
Topic: Sec. 11.1
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

3) The repolarization phase of an action potential is dependent on the sodium-potassium pump.

Answer: FALSE
Topic: Sec. 11.3
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

4) Reestablishment of the resting potential in a neuron following an action potential requires the
activity of the sodium-potassium pump.
Answer: TRUE
Topic: Sec. 11.3
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

5) The absolute refractory period characteristic of neurons is important in ensuring that action
potentials travel in only one direction.
Answer: TRUE
Topic: Sec. 11.3
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

6) During periods of stress or increased activity, the parasympathetic division of the autonomic
nervous system predominates; during periods of rest, the sympathetic division of the autonomic
nervous system predominates.
Answer: FALSE
Topic: Sec. 11.6
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension
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7) Motor neurons of the peripheral nervous system transmit impulses away from the central
nervous system.
Answer: TRUE
Topic: Sec. 11.2
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

8) An action potential is a long or rapid release of energy, generated by the sodium-potassium

pumps of neurons.
Answer: FALSE
Topic: Sec. 11.3
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

9) A student noticed that every time he smelled a certain perfume in the hallway, it reminded him
of his mother. This is due largely to the activity of the limbic system.
Answer: TRUE
Topic: Sec. 11.8
Skill: Application/Analysis

10) The strength and duration of a stimulus determine the amplitude of an action potential.
Answer: FALSE
Topic: Sec. 11.3
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

11) Neurotransmitters always cause depolarization of the postsynaptic membrane.

Answer: FALSE
Topic: Sec. 11.4
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

12) The functional barrier between blood and the brain is cerebrospinal fluid.
Answer: FALSE
Topic: Sec. 11.7
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

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11.3 Matching Questions

Match the following types of neurons with their descriptions.

A) sensory neurons
B) interneurons
C) motor neurons

1) transmit impulses away from the central nervous system

Topic: Sec. 11.2
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

2) transmit impulses within the central nervous system

Topic: Sec. 11.2
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

3) transmit impulses toward the central nervous system

Topic: Sec. 11.2
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

Answers: 1) C 2) B 3) A

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The figure above shows a sagittal section through the brain. Match each labeled part (A-F)
of the brain with its function.

4) regulates body temperature and stimulates hunger drive

Answer: C
Topic: Sec. 11.8
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

5) ensures that antagonistic muscles do not contract at same time

Answer: E
Topic: Sec. 11.8
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

6) controls heart rate and blood pressure, as well as sneezing and swallowing reflexes; motor
nerves from one side of the forebrain cross to the opposite side of the body
Answer: D
Topic: Sec. 11.8
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

7) removal of this region would eliminate coordinated movements in response to sight

Answer: F
Topic: Sec. 11.8
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

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8) receives sensory information from other parts of the body and relays it to proper areas of the
cerebrum
Answer: B
Topic: Sec. 11.8
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

9) the most highly developed part of the brain; the corpus callosum interconnects its two sides;
associated with language and conscious thought
Answer: A
Topic: Sec. 11.8
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

Use the figure above to match the events of action potential propagation with when they
occur on the graph (labeled A-D).

10) potassium channels within the membrane are open

Answer: C
Topic: Sec. 11.3
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

11) voltage threshold for membrane

Answer: A
Topic: Sec. 11.3
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

12) the membrane has repolarized

Answer: D
Topic: Sec. 11.3
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

13) the membrane is depolarized

Answer: B
Topic: Sec. 11.3
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

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Match each of the following disorders associated with the nervous system with its
description.

A) Parkinson's disease
B) multiple sclerosis
C) encephalitis
D) meningitis
E) epilepsy

14) condition characterized by seizures and abnormal periods of brain electrical activity
Topic: Sec. 11.13
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

15) autoimmune disorder that results in damage to the myelin sheaths of CNS neurons;
transmission of impulses is subsequently disrupted
Topic: Sec. 11.4
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

16) inflammation of the connective tissue layers surrounding the organs of the central nervous
system
Topic: Sec. 11.13
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

17) inflammation of the brain; symptoms include headaches, hallucinations, and disturbances in
speech and behavior; often caused by a viral infection
Topic: Sec. 11.13
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

18) progressive, degenerative disorder caused by a shortage of dopamine in the brain; symptoms
include muscle tremors in hands and feet and an eventual loss of mobility
Topic: Sec. 11.13
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

Answers: 14) E 15) B 16) D 17) C 18) A

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Determine whether each of the following descriptions is characteristic of the
parasympathetic division or the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system.
Answers may be used more than once.

A) sympathetic nervous system

B) parasympathetic nervous system

19) preganglionic neurons originate in the brain or sacral region of spinal cord
Topic: Sec. 11.6
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

20) postganglionic neurons secrete acetylcholine

Topic: Sec. 11.6
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

21) its effect is to prepare the body for emergencies

Topic: Sec. 11.6
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

22) its effect results in a calm, relaxed state

Topic: Sec. 11.6
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

23) preganglionic motor neurons originate in the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spinal cord
Topic: Sec. 11.6
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

24) postganglionic neurons secrete norepinephrine

Topic: Sec. 11.6
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

Answers: 19) A 20) B 21) A 22) B 23) A 24) A

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11.4 Short Answer Questions

neurotransmitters
1) Arrival of an action potential at an axon terminal results in the release of ________.
Answer: neurotransmitters
Topic: Sec. 11.5
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension
autonomic
2) The contraction of smooth and cardiac muscle is controlled by the ________ division of the
peripheral nervous system.
Answer: autonomic
Topic: Sec. 11.6
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

threshold
3) For an action potential to be generated, a minimum membrane voltage, or a(n) ________ ,
must be reached.
Answer: threshold
Topic: Sec. 11.3
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

4) Shifting the membrane potential of a neuron from negative to positive, due to inward
movement of sodium ions, is referred to as ________.
depolarization
Answer: depolarization
Topic: Sec. 11.3
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension share
Sodium
5) In order for repolarization of a neuron to occur, ________ must be closed.
Answer: sodium channels
Topic: Sec. 11.3
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

6) Research involving graded potentials has shown that a neuron receiving many incoming
signals from other neurons experiences a larger change in membrane potential than from one
incoming impulse alone. This phenomenon is known as ________.
Answer: summation
Topic: Sec. 11.3
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

7) The ________ controls many functions in the body, including regulating body temperature
and hunger drive.
Answer: hypothalamus
Topic: Sec. 11.8
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

gilal cells.
8) Cells in nerve tissue that support and protect neurons are called ________
Answer: neuroglial
Topic: Sec. 11.4
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension
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9) Given a particular neuron, an action potential either occurs or does not occur, depending on
the strength of the stimulus; therefore, the action potential is described as ________.
all Or none

Answer: all or none

Topic: Sec. 11.3
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension
Calciu
10) When an action potential arrives at the axonal bulb, ________ channels open in the
presynaptic membrane.
Answer: calcium
Topic: Sec. 11.5
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

11) ________, a type of neural information processing is depicted in the figure above.
Answer: Divergence
Topic: Sec. 11.5
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

12) Twelve pairs of ________ nerves carry nerve impulses from the brain to glands, muscles,
head, neck, and abdominal and thoracic cavities.
Answer: cranial
Topic: Sec. 11.6
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

13) Cranial nerves and spinal nerves are part of the ________ nervous system.
Answer: peripheral
Topic: Sec. 11.6
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

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 14) The ability to stand and move is due primarily to the action of ________ reflexes.
Answer: stretch
Topic: Sec. 11.6
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

15) The neurotransmitter released by the postganglionic neurons of the parasympathetic nervous
system is ________.
acetylcholine
Answer: acetylcholine
Topic: Sec. 11.6
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

16) Bacterial and viral infections of the brain are rare because of the protective nature of the
________.
Answer: blood-brain barrier
Topic: Sec. 11.7
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

17) Since the central nervous system is so important to the proper functioning of the body, the
brain is protected by the ________
skuk and the spinal cord is protected by the ________.
Vertebrae
Answer: skull, vertebrae
Topic: Sec. 11.7
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

Cerebrumwould prevent any type of decision making.

18) Removal of the ________
Answer: cerebrum
Topic: Sec. 11.8
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

19) The left and right cerebral hemispheres are interconnected by nerve tract network called the
________. Collosum
Corpus
Answer: corpus callosum
Topic: Sec. 11.8
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

20) Recordings of the brain's activities can be made using a(n) ________; this information is
used to study the functioning of the brain.
Answer: electroencephalogram (EEG)
Topic: Sec. 11.9
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension
system
limbic
21) Short-term memory is associated with the ________, whereas long-term memory is
associated with changes in the Cerebral
________.
Answer: limbic system, cerebral cortex
Topic: Sec. 11.11
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

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22) Drugs that cause changes in emotions, consciousness, or behavior are known as ________.
Answer: psychoactive drugs
Topic: Sec. 11.12
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

11.5 Essay Questions

1) On your way to class, you decide to cross a busy street but fail to notice a fast-moving car
coming toward you. When you do see the car, your heart rate and breathing increase, and you
feel a burst of energy that helps you quickly move to the sidewalk. Describe how your nervous
system was able to process the sight of the car with the need to move your legs.
Answer: The nervous system relies on a series of sensory neurons to keep you aware of
conditions in the external environment. When your eyes saw the car, this stimulus generated an
action potential that was sent via sensory neurons to an integration center that in turn processed
the meaning of the signal and produced an appropriate response, or motor output. In this case,
the burst of energy suggests that the fight-or-flight response was activated.
Topic: Sec. 11.0, 11.2
Skill: Application/Analysis

2) The phrase all-or-none response describes a neuron-generated action potential. Explain what
is meant by this phrase.
Answer: Action potentials are produced when the membrane potential (voltage) of the neuron is
temporarily reversed by the sudden inward movement of ions from interstitial fluid. The ions can
move in only when there is an opening or channel in the membrane. In the case of most neurons,
the ion that moves inward via gated channels is sodium. These channels open only when there is
a sufficiently strong stimulus; they do not partially open to weaker stimuli. So either the
threshold must be reached to achieve an action potential, or the threshold is not reached, and
therefore no action potential is generated.
Topic: Sec. 11.3
Skill: Knowledge/Comprehension

3) The nervous system is capable of using some neurotransmitters for more than one function.
For example, some neurotransmitters may be excitatory in one pathway yet inhibitory in another.
Discuss what accounts for the same neurotransmitter having different functions in alternate
pathways.
Answer: The answer is the same for neurotransmitters and hormones: cellular receptors. In the
case of a neurotransmitter, it is the type of receptor located on the postsynaptic membrane that
determines whether the response is excitatory or inhibitory. Similarly, the number of receptors
also influences how quickly the postsynaptic cells respond to the message conveyed by the
neurotransmitter.
Topic: Sec. 11.5
Skill: Application/Analysis

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