Title: The Nervous System
Course: Question Banks

Q: What animals have a fairly decentralized nervous system with a brain, ventral nerve cord, and ganglia (clusters of connected neurons)?
- sea sponges (Incorrect. Insects have a decentralized nervous system. Sea sponges, lack a true nervous system.)
- flatworms (Incorrect. Flatworms of the phylum Platyhelminthes have both a central nervous system (CNS), made up of a small “brain” and two nerve cords, and a peripheral nervous system (PNS) containing a system of nerves that extend throughout the body.)
- insects (Correct.)
A: insects

Q: What does the nervous system of invertebrates and vertebrates have in common?
- Have a system of separate but connected nerve cells (neurons) called a “nerve net.” (Incorrect. This is the nervous system of Jellyfish.)
- A central nervous system , made up of a small “brain” and two nerve cords, (Incorrect. This is the case of flatworms.)
- They share a CNS that contains a brain and spinal cord and a PNS made up of peripheral sensory and motor nerves. (Correct.)
A: They share a CNS that contains a brain and spinal cord and a PNS made up of peripheral sensory and motor nerves.

Q: One interesting difference between the nervous systems of invertebrates and vertebrates is ________.
- the nerve cords of many vertebrates are located ventrally whereas the invertebrate spinal cords are located dorsally (Incorrect. The nerve cords of many invertebrates are located ventrally and the vertebrate spinal cords are located dorsally.)
- vertebrates have two nerve cords and invertebrates have one nerve cords (Incorrect. Flatworms have 2 nerve cords. The nerve cords of many invertebrates are located ventrally and the vertebrate spinal cords are located dorsally.)
- the nerve cords of many invertebrates are located ventrally whereas the vertebrate spinal cords are located dorsally (Correct.)
A: the nerve cords of many invertebrates are located ventrally whereas the vertebrate spinal cords are located dorsally

Q: The central nervous system (CNS) is made up of ________.
- spinal and cranial nerves (Incorrect. This is the peripheral nervous system (PNS))
- sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system (Incorrect. The sympathetic and parasympathetic systems are part of the PNS.)
- the brain and spinal cord (Correct.)
A: the brain and spinal cord

Q: The autonomic nervous system has ________.
- voluntary control of skin, bones, joints, and skeletal muscle (Incorrect. This is the somatic nervous system)
- the brain and spinal cord (Incorrect. This is the central nervous system.)
- involuntary control of internal organs, blood vessels, smooth and cardiac muscle (Correct.)
A: involuntary control of internal organs, blood vessels, smooth and cardiac muscle

Q: Where is data processed (by way of integration) in the nervous system?
- spinal cord. (Incorrect. Nerves conduct impulses from sensory receptors to the brain and spinal cord. The data is then processed by way of integration of data, which occurs only in the brain.)
- the peripheral nervous system (Incorrect. Nerves conduct impulses from sensory receptors to the brain and spinal cord. The data is then processed by way of integration of data, which occurs only in the brain.)
- the brain (Correct.)
A: the brain

Q: Dendrites are tree-like structures that extend away from the ________.
- axon (Incorrect. An axon is a tube-like structure that propagates the integrated signal to specialized endings called axon terminals.)
- synapses (Incorrect. Synapses are specialized junctions that receive messages from other neurons.)
- cell body (Correct. Each neuron has a cell body (or soma) that contains a nucleus, smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum. Dendrites are tree-like structures that extend away from the cell body to receive messages from other neurons at specialized junctions called synapses.)
A: cell body

Q: What does Myelin do?
- integrates signals from multiple synapses and serves as a junction between the cell body and an axon (Incorrect. An axon hillock integrates signals from multiple synapses.)
- releases chemicals that allow signals to be communicated to other cells (Incorrect. Chemicals released at axon terminals allow signals to be communicated to these other cells.)
- acts as an insulator to minimize dissipation of the electrical signal as it travels down the axon (Correct. Myelin acts as an insulator.)
A: acts as an insulator to minimize dissipation of the electrical signal as it travels down the axon

Q: What are the nodes of Ranvier?
- tube-like structures that propagate the integrated signals to specialized endings (Incorrect. An axon is a tube-like structure that propagates the integrated signal to specialized endings.)
- small protrusions which increase surface area for possible synaptic connections (Incorrect. Dendritic spines are small protrusions called dendritic spines, which further increase surface area for possible synaptic connections.)
- periodic gaps in the myelin sheath along the axon (Correct. Along the axon there are periodic gaps in the myelin sheath. These gaps are called nodes of Ranvier and are sites where the signal is “recharged” as it travels along the axon.)
A: periodic gaps in the myelin sheath along the axon

Q: There are four basic types of neurons: unipolar, bipolar, pseudounipolar, and ________.
- tripolar (Incorrect. Neurons are broadly divided into four basic types: unipolar, bipolar, multipolar, and pseudounipolar.)
- sensory (Incorrect. Neurons are broadly divided into four basic types: unipolar, bipolar, multipolar, and pseudounipolar.)
- multipolar (Correct.)
A: multipolar

Q: What type of neuron has only one structure that extends away from the soma?
- bipolar (Incorrect. A bipolar neuron has one axon and one dendrite extending from the soma.)
- pseudounipolar (Incorrect. A pseudounipolar cell has a single process that extends from the soma, like a unipolar cell, but this process later branches into two distinct structures, like a bipolar cell.)
- unipolar (Correct. Unipolar neurons have only one structure that extends away from the soma. These neurons are not found in vertebrates but are found in insects where they stimulate muscles or glands.)
A: unipolar

Q: A Purkinje cell is an example of what type of neuron?
- bipolar (Incorrect. An example of a bipolar neuron is a retinal bipolar cell, which receives signals from photoreceptor cells that are sensitive to light and transmits these signals to ganglion cells that carry the signal to the brain.)
- unipolar (Incorrect. These neurons are not found in vertebrates but are found in insects where they stimulate muscles or glands.)
- multipolar (Correct. Purkinje cell is an example of a multipolar neuron which has many branching dendrites but only one axon.)
A: multipolar

Q: What is the birth of new neurons called?
- synapses (Incorrect. Neurogenesis is the birth of new neurons)
- myelination (Incorrect. Neurogenesis is the birth of new neurons)
- neurogenesis (Correct.)
A: neurogenesis

Q: Neurogenesis is believed to continue ________.
- until birth (Incorrect. Research performed during the last few decades indicates that neurogenesis, the birth of new neurons, continues into adulthood.)
- into puberty (Incorrect. Research performed during the last few decades indicates that neurogenesis, the birth of new neurons, continues into adulthood.)
- into adulthood (Correct. Research performed during the last few decades indicates that neurogenesis continues into adulthood.)
A: into adulthood

Q: What can promote neurogenesis in the hippocampus?
- sleep (Incorrect. Both exercise and some antidepressant medications promote neurogenesis in the hippocampus.)
- stress (Incorrect. Both exercise and some antidepressant medications promote neurogenesis in the hippocampus. Stress has the opposite effect.)
- exercise (Correct. Exercise along with some antidepressant medications can promote neurogenesis in the hippocampus.)
A: exercise

Q: What type of cell forms the blood-brain barrier?
- oligodendrocytes (Incorrect. Astrocytes make contact with both capillaries and neurons in the CNS and form the blood-brain barrier.)
- pseudounipolar cells (Incorrect. Most sensory neurons are pseudounipolar and have an axon that branches into two extensions: one connected to dendrites that receive sensory information and another that transmits this information to the spinal cord.)
- astrocytes (Correct. Astrocytes make contact with both capillaries and neurons in the CNS. They provide nutrients and other substances to neurons, regulate the concentrations of ions and chemicals in the extracellular fluid, and provide structural support for synapses.)
A: astrocytes

Q: What do satellite glia do?
- contribute to the production of cerebrospinal fluid (Incorrect. Ependymal cells line fluid-filled ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord. They are involved in the production of cerebrospinal fluid)
- serve as a cushion for the brain (Incorrect. Ependymal cells are involved in the production of cerebrospinal fluid, which serves as a cushion for the brain, moves the fluid between the spinal cord and the brain, and is a component of the choroid plexus.)
- provide nutrients and structural support for neurons in the PNS (Correct.)
A: provide nutrients and structural support for neurons in the PNS

Q: What type of cells serve as scaffolds for developing neurons as they migrate to their end destinations?
- schwann cells (Incorrect. Schwann cells provides myelin for one axon as the entire Schwann cell surrounds the axon.)
- microglia (Incorrect. Microglia scavenge and degrade dead cells and protect the brain from invading microorganisms.)
- radial glia (Correct.)
A: radial glia

Q: The signals that neurons send and receive are possible because?
- Charged molecules can pass through the lipid bilayer membrane that surrounds a neuron passively. (Incorrect. The lipid bilayer membrane that surrounds a neuron is impermeable to charged molecules or ions. The charged membrane of a neuron allows them to be send and receive signals.)
- Each neuron has a cellular membrane with a neutral charge. (Incorrect. Neurons are able to send and receive signals because each neuron has a charged cellular membrane.)
- Each neuron has a charged cellular membrane. (Correct. Neurons are able to send and receive signals because each neuron has a charged cellular membrane (a voltage difference between the inside and the outside).)
A: Each neuron has a charged cellular membrane.

Q: A neuron at rest is ________ charged.
- positively (Incorrect. A neuron at rest is negatively charged: the inside of a cell is approximately 70 millivolts more negative than the outside (−70 mV). Note that this number varies by neuron type and by species.)
- not (Incorrect. A neuron at rest is negatively charged: the inside of a cell is approximately 70 millivolts more negative than the outside (−70 mV). Note that this number varies by neuron type and by species.)
- negatively (Correct. A neuron at rest is negatively charged: the inside of a cell is approximately 70 millivolts more negative than the outside (−70 mV). Note that this number varies by neuron type and by species.)
A: negatively

Q: A resting neuron has a voltage across its membrane called ________.
- action potential (Incorrect. Action potential is a brief reversal of resting membrane potential.)
- resting depolarization (Incorrect. It’s resting membrane potential.)
- resting membrane potential. (Correct.)
A: resting membrane potential.

Q: Action potential is ________.
- when the membrane potential becomes more negative than the cell’s normal resting potential (Incorrect. This is depolarization of the membrane. A reversal of the resting membrane potential is an action potential)
- a decrease in the difference in voltage between the inside and outside of the neuron (Incorrect. Transmission of a signal within a neuron (from dendrite to axon terminal) is carried by a brief reversal of the resting membrane potential called an action potential.)
- a brief reversal of the resting membrane potential (Correct. Transmission of a signal within a neuron (from dendrite to axon terminal) is carried by a brief reversal of the resting membrane potential called an action potential.)
A: a brief reversal of the resting membrane potential

Q: A period when a neuron cannot produce another action potential because its sodium channels will not open is called a ________.
- membrane depolarization (Incorrect. Depolarization is when the membrane potential becomes more negative than the cell’s resting potential.)
- hyperpolarization (Incorrect. The diffusion of K^+ out of the cell actually hyperpolarizes the cell, in that the membrane potential becomes more negative than the cell’s normal resting potential.)
- refractory period (Correct.)
A: refractory period

Q: The action potential is caused by the opening of first ________ voltage-gated channels?
- K^+ then Na^+ (Incorrect. The action potential is caused by the opening of first Na^+ then K^+ voltage-gated channels.)
- Na^+ then Cl^− (Incorrect. The action potential is caused by the opening of first Na^+ then K^+ voltage-gated channels.)
- Na^+ then K^+ (Correct.)
A: Na^+ then K^+

Q: What is the synaptic cleft?
- a voltage-gated ion channel (Incorrect. The extracellular space between the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes is called the synaptic cleft. Voltage gated ion channels are Ion channels that change their structure in response to voltage changes.)
- an insulator that minimizes dissipation of the electrical signal as it travels down the axon (Incorrect. Myelin is an insulator. The extracellular space between the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes is called the synaptic cleft.)
- the extracellular space between the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes (Correct.)
A: the extracellular space between the presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes

Q: Electrical synapses are ________ in number than chemical synapses.
- higher (Incorrect. Electrical synapses are fewer in number than chemical synapses, although they are found in all nervous systems and play important and unique roles.)
- equal (Incorrect. Electrical synapses are fewer in number than chemical synapses, although they are found in all nervous systems and play important and unique roles.)
- fewer (Correct. While electrical synapses are fewer in number than chemical synapses, they are found in all nervous systems and play important and unique roles)
A: fewer

Q: Which of the following is correct regarding the differences between chemical and electrical synapses?
- chemical synapses are virtually instantaneous (Incorrect. Signaling in electrical synapses is virtually instantaneous.)
- chemical synapses are also more reliable as they are less likely to be blocked (Incorrect. Electrical synapses are also more reliable as they are less likely to be blocked, and they are important for synchronizing the electrical activity of a group of neurons.)
- electrical synapses are bidirectional (Correct.)
A: electrical synapses are bidirectional

Q: Where does the process of summation occur?
- nodes of Ranvier (Incorrect. Along the axon there are periodic gaps in the myelin sheath. These gaps are called nodes of Ranvier and are sites where the signal is “recharged” as it travels along the axon.)
- myelin sheath (Incorrect. Some axons are covered with myelin, which acts as an insulator to minimize dissipation of the electrical signal as it travels down the axon, greatly increasing the speed on conduction.)
- at the axon hillock (Correct. The cell body contains a specialized structure, the axon hillock that integrates signals from multiple synapses and serves as a junction between the cell body and an axon.)
A: at the axon hillock

Q: What determines whether the postsynaptic cell has reached its threshold of excitation needed to fire an action potential?
- the amount of myelination (Incorrect. Myelin acts as an insulator to minimize dissipation of the electrical signal as it travels down the axon. The net change in postsynaptic membrane voltage determines whether the postsynaptic cell has reached its threshold of excitation needed to fire an action potential.)
- the length of delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels (Incorrect. Chemical synapses depend on the release of neurotransmitter molecules from synaptic vesicles to pass on their signal and there is an approximately one millisecond delay between when the axon potential reaches the presynaptic terminal and when the neurotransmitter leads to opening of postsynaptic ion channels.)
- the net change in postsynaptic membrane voltage (Correct.)
A: the net change in postsynaptic membrane voltage

Q: Release of neurotransmitter at inhibitory synapses causes inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs), a ________ of the presynaptic membrane.
- depolarization (Incorrect. Excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) have a temporary depolarization caused by the flow of positively charged ions into the postsynaptic cell.)
- refractory period (Incorrect. The neuron’s refractory period is when a neuron cannot produce another action potential because its sodium channels will not open)
- hyperpolarization (Correct)
A: hyperpolarization

Q: What is long-term potentiation (LTP)?
- a long-term weakening of a synaptic connection (Incorrect. This is long-term depression (LTD) and LTP is a persistent strengthening of a synaptic connection.)
- the breaking and reforming of new synapses (Incorrect. LTP is a persistent strengthening of a synaptic connection.)
- a persistent strengthening of a synaptic connection (Correct.)
A: a persistent strengthening of a synaptic connection

Q: What is long-term depression (LTD)?
- a persistent strengthening of a synaptic connection (Incorrect. This is LTP. LTD is a long-term weakening of a synaptic connection.)
- the breaking and reforming of new synapses (Incorrect. LTP is a persistent strengthening of a synaptic connection.)
- a long-term weakening of a synaptic connection (Correct.)
A: a long-term weakening of a synaptic connection

Q: Long-term potentiation(LTP) is based on what principle?
- Dale’s principle (Incorrect. A neuron performs the same chemical action at all of its synaptic connections to other cells)
- All-or-none principle (Incorrect. This principle states that if a neuron responds at all, then it must respond completely.)
- Hebbian principle (Correct. The principle is cells that fire together wire together)
A: Hebbian principle

Q: What are the three layers of meninges that cover the cerebral cortex?
- The dura, ventricle, and pia mater (Incorrect. The brain and spinal cord is covered with three layers of protective coverings called meninges. The dura, arachnoid and pia maters make up the meninges.)
- The ventricle, arachnoid, and pia mater (Incorrect. The brain and spinal cord is covered with three layers of protective coverings called meninges. The dura, arachnoid and pia maters make up the meninges.)
- The dura, arachnoid, and pia maters (Correct.)
A: The dura, arachnoid, and pia maters

Q: The space between the arachnoid and pia maters is ________.
- filled with dura mater (Incorrect. The space between the arachnoid and pia maters is filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).The dura mater is another layer of meninges like dura and arachnoid.)
- the spinal cord (Incorrect. The space between the arachnoid and pia maters is filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).)
- filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (Correct.)
A: filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Q: CSF is produced by a tissue called?
- dura mater (Incorrect. CSF is produced by a tissue called choroid plexus in fluid-filled compartments in the CNS called ventricles.)
- arachnoid mater (Incorrect. CSF is produced by a tissue called choroid plexus in fluid-filled compartments in the CNS called ventricles.)
- choroid plexus (Correct. CSF is produced by a tissue called choroid plexus in fluid-filled compartments in the CNS called ventricles.)
A: choroid plexus

Q: The cerebral cortex is folded into hills called ________ and valleys called ________.
- sulci; gyri (Incorrect. The outermost part of the brain is a thick piece of nervous system tissue called the cerebral cortex, which is folded into hills called gyri and valleys called sulci. CSF is produced by choroid plexus.)
- the sagittal section; the coronal section (Incorrect. The outermost part of the brain is a thick piece of nervous system tissue called the cerebral cortex, which is folded into hills called gyri and valleys called sulci. A sagittal section cuts the brain left to right and a coronal section cuts the brain front to back.)
- gyri; sulci (Correct. The outermost part of the brain is a thick piece of nervous system tissue called the cerebral cortex, which is folded into hills called gyri and valleys called sulci.)
A: gyri; sulci

Q: The parietal lobe is located ________.
- at the front of the brain, over the eyes (Incorrect. The frontal lobe is located at the front of the brain, over the eyes.)
- at the back of the brain (Incorrect. The occipital lobe is located at the back of the brain.)
- at the top of the brain (Correct.)
A: at the top of the brain

Q: The temporal lobe is primarily involved in ________.
- vision: seeing, recognizing, and identifying the visual world (Incorrect. The occipital lobe is primarily involved in vision: seeing, recognizing, and identifying the visual world.)
- processing smells and planning and implementing movement (Incorrect. The frontal lobe processes smells and also contains the motor cortex, which is important for planning and implementing movement.)
- processing and interpreting sounds (Correct.)
A: processing and interpreting sounds

Q: What does the spinal cord do?
- protects the brain (Incorrect. The brain floats in CSF, which acts as a cushion and shock absorber and makes the brain neutrally buoyant.)
- carries blood from the brain back to the heart through vein-like structures (Incorrect. The dura mater contains vein-like structures that carry blood from the brain back to the heart.)
- carries information about the body to the brain and from the brain to the body (Correct. Connecting to the brainstem and extending down the body through the spinal column is the spinal cord.)
A: carries information about the body to the brain and from the brain to the body

Q: Myelinated axons make up what part of the spinal cord?
- the gray matter (Incorrect. Myelinated axons make up the “white matter” and neuron and glial cell bodies make up the “gray matter.”)
- the dura mater (Incorrect. Myelinated axons make up the “white matter.” Dura mater is one of three layers of protective coverings called meninges.)
- the white matter (Correct. Myelinated axons make up the “white matter” and neuron and glial cell bodies make up the “gray matter.”)
A: the white matter

Q: The spinal cord controls ________.
- CSF production (Incorrect. The brain floats in CSF which is produced by the choroid plexus and acts as a cushion and shock absorber and makes the brain neutrally buoyant.)
- neuron myelination (Incorrect. Myelin is produced by glial cells.)
- motor reflexes (Correct. The spinal cord controls motor reflexes. These reflexes are quick, involving local synaptic connections.)
A: motor reflexes

Q: In the sympathetic nervous system, the soma of the preganglionic neuron is usually in the ________.
- brainstem (Incorrect. In the parasympathetic nervous system, the preganglionic soma is usually in the brainstem.)
- target organ (Incorrect. In the parasympathetic nervous system, the soma of postganglionic neuron is usually in a ganglion near the target organ.)
- spine (Correct.)
A: spine

Q: What does the sympathetic nervous system do?
- It resets organ function after the sympathetic nervous system is activated. (Incorrect. The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for the “rest and digest.”)
- It transmits messages about desired movement from the CNS to the muscles to make them contract. (Incorrect. The sensory-somatic nervous system is made up of cranial and spinal nerves and contains both sensory and motor neurons. Sensory neurons transmit sensory information from the skin, skeletal muscle, and sensory organs to the CNS.)
- It is responsible for the “fight or flight” response. (Correct.)
A: It is responsible for the “fight or flight” response.

Q: What are some of the effects of the sympathetic nervous system on the body?
- slowing of heart rate and lowered blood pressure (Incorrect. These are effects of the parasympathetic nervous system.)
- stimulation of digestion and bile secretion (Incorrect. These are effects of the parasympathetic nervous system.)
- pupil dilation and increased heart rate (Correct.)
A: pupil dilation and increased heart rate

Q: What does the parasympathetic nervous system do?
- It is responsible for the “fight or flight” response. (Incorrect. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the “fight or flight” response that occurs when an animal encounters a dangerous situation.)
- It transmits messages about desired movement from the CNS to the muscles to make them contract. (Incorrect. The sensory-somatic nervous system is made up of cranial and spinal nerves and contains both sensory and motor neurons. Sensory neurons transmit sensory information from the skin, skeletal muscle, and sensory organs to the CNS.)
- It resets organ function after the sympathetic nervous system is activated. (Correct.)
A: It resets organ function after the sympathetic nervous system is activated.

Q: What are some of the effects of the parasympathetic nervous system on the body?
- pupil dilation and increased heart rate (Incorrect. These are effects of the sympathetic nervous system)
- inhibition of digestion and bronchi dilation (Incorrect. These are effects of the sympathetic nervous system.)
- slowing of heart rate and lowered blood pressure (Correct.)
A: slowing of heart rate and lowered blood pressure

Q: In the parasympathetic system, the postganglionic neurons release ________ on the target organs.
- norepinephrine (Incorrect. In the sympathetic system the postganglionic neurons release norepinephrine.)
- calcium ions (Incorrect. In the sympathetic system the postganglionic neurons release norepinephrine.)
- acetylcholine (Correct.)
A: acetylcholine

Q: In the sensory-somatic nervous system, sensory neurons transmit sensory information from the skin, ________, and sensory organs to the CNS.
- spinal cord (Incorrect. The spinal cord is part of the CNS.)
- brain (Incorrect. The brain is part of the CNS.)
- skeletal muscle (Correct.)
A: skeletal muscle

Q: In the sensory-somatic nervous system, ________ is the main neurotransmitter released at the synapses.
- norepinephrine (Incorrect. Sensory and motor neurons have only one synapse—one ending of the neuron is at the organ and the other directly contacts a CNS neuron. Acetylcholine is the main neurotransmitter released at these synapses.)
- nitric oxide (Incorrect. In the parasympathetic nervous system, nitric oxide is released from postganglionic synapses.)
- acetylcholine (Correct.)
A: acetylcholine

Q: The human brain contains ________ cranial nerves that receive sensory input and control motor output for the head and neck.
- fourteen (Incorrect. The human brain contains twelve cranial nerves that receive sensory input and control motor output for the head and neck.)
- eight (Incorrect. The human brain contains twelve cranial nerves that receive sensory input and control motor output for the head and neck.)
- twelve (Correct.)
A: twelve

Q: Neurodegenerative disorders are illnesses characterized by a loss of nervous system functioning that are usually caused by ________.
- loss of CSF (Incorrect. Neurodegenerative disorders are usually caused by neuronal death. Loss of CSF is seen with CSF leakage usually associated with injuries.)
- demyelination (Incorrect. The transmission of nerve impulses (action potentials) is interrupted by disorders that affect myelin. Multiple Sclerosis is an example of a disease with demyelination.)
- neuronal death (Correct.)
A: neuronal death

Q: Neurodegenerative disorders include ________, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia disorders.
- schizophrenia (Incorrect. Schizophrenia is a serious and often debilitating mental illness.)
- Down syndrome (Incorrect. Down syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder that causes intellectual deficits.)
- Huntington’s disease (Correct.)
A: Huntington’s disease

Q: Parkinson’s disease causes the loss of ________ in the substantia nigra, a midbrain structure that regulates movement.
- myelin (Incorrect. The transmission of nerve impulses (action potentials) is interrupted by disorders that affect myelin. Multiple Sclerosis is an example of a disease with demyelination.)
- neurotransmitters (Incorrect. Neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s disease are usually characterized by a loss of neurons.)
- dopamine neurons (Correct.)
A: dopamine neurons

Q: Some of the characteristic symptoms of Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) include impaired social skills, difficulty making and maintaining eye contact and ________.
- hallucinations (Incorrect. Hallucinations can be a symptom of Schizophrenia, is a serious and often debilitating mental illness.)
- hyperactivity (Incorrect. Hyperactivity beyond what is characteristic of the normal developmental stage can be seen in patients with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).)
- repetitive motor behaviors (Correct.)
A: repetitive motor behaviors

Q: Treatment for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often involves ________.
- drugs that increase acetylcholine neurotransmission (Incorrect. Since decrease in the activity of cholinergic neurons (neurons that use the neurotransmitter acetylcholine) is common in Alzheimer’s disease, several drugs used to treat the disease work by increasing acetylcholine neurotransmission, often by inhibiting the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft.)
- L-DOPA, which is a chemical that is converted into dopamine by neurons in the brain (Incorrect. One of the most commonly prescribed drugs for Parkinson’s is L-DOPA, which is a chemical that is converted into dopamine by neurons in the brain. This conversion increases the overall level of dopamine neurotransmission and can help compensate for the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra.)
- behavioral therapies (Correct. Treatment for ADHD often involves behavioral therapies and the prescription of stimulant medications, which paradoxically cause a calming effect in patients.)
A: behavioral therapies

Q: Balance and posture problems can be seen in patients with ________.
- attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (Incorrect. Lack of focus, executive functioning difficulties, impulsivity, and hyperactivity beyond what is characteristic of the normal developmental stage can be seen in patients with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).)
- schizophrenia (Incorrect. Hallucinations and hearing voices can be a symptom of schizophrenia, a serious and often debilitating mental illness.)
- Parkinson’s disease (Correct.)
A: Parkinson’s disease

Q: ________ are nervous system disorders that result in problems with thinking, mood, or relating with other people.
- Neurodevelopmental disorders (Incorrect. Neurodevelopmental disorders occur when the development of the nervous system is disturbed. There are several different classes of neurodevelopmental disorders. Some, like Down Syndrome, cause intellectual deficits. Others specifically affect communication, learning, or the motor system. Some disorders like autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder have complex symptoms.)
- Neurodegenerative disorders (Incorrect. Neurodegenerative disorders are illnesses characterized by a loss of nervous system functioning that are usually caused by neuronal death.)
- Mental illnesses (Correct.)
A: Mental illnesses

Q: Schizophrenia is a serious and often debilitating mental illness with symptoms that include ________.
- balance and posture problems (Incorrect. Loss of neurons like that seen in Parkinson’s disease can cause many symptoms including tremors, slowed movement, speech changes, and balance and posture problems.)
- disruptive memory loss and confusion about time or place (Incorrect. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include disruptive memory loss, confusion about time or place, difficulty planning or executing tasks, poor judgment, and personality changes.)
- the inability to differentiate between reality and imagination, inappropriate and unregulated emotional responses, difficulty thinking, and problems with social situations. (Correct.)
A: the inability to differentiate between reality and imagination, inappropriate and unregulated emotional responses, difficulty thinking, and problems with social situations.

Q: One of the most common mental disorders in the United States is ________.
- Alzheimer’s disease (Incorrect. Major depression is one of the most common mental disorders.)
- Parkinson’s disease (Incorrect. Major depression is one of the most common mental disorders.)
- major depression (Correct. It affects approximately 6.7 percent of the adults in the United States each year and is one of the most common mental disorders.)
A: major depression

Q: Epilepsy is characterized by recurrent ________.
- disruptive memory loss and confusion about time or place (Incorrect. Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include disruptive memory loss, confusion about time or place, difficulty planning or executing tasks, poor judgment, and personality changes.)
- hallucinations (Incorrect. Hallucinations can be a symptom of Schizophrenia, a serious and often debilitating mental illness.)
- seizures (Correct.)
A: seizures

Q: There are several other neurological disorders that cannot be easily placed in the neurodegenerative, neurodevelopmental, and mental illness categories. These include cancers of the nervous system, epilepsy disorders, stroke and ________.
- major depression (Incorrect. Major depression is a mental disorder.)
- autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (Incorrect. ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder)
- chronic pain conditions (Correct.)
A: chronic pain conditions

Q: A stroke results when ________.
- a patient is unable to differentiate between reality and imagination and has difficulty thinking (Incorrect. This is characteristic of Schizophrenia.)
- there is extreme shrinkage of the cerebral cortex (Incorrect. This can be seen in Alzheimer’s patients.)
- blood fails to reach a portion of the brain for a long enough time to cause damage (Correct. Without the oxygen supplied by blood flow, neurons in this brain region die.)
A: blood fails to reach a portion of the brain for a long enough time to cause damage