Biological Bases of Behavior

The function of dendrites is to

• receive incoming signals from other neurons.

• release neurotransmitters into the spatial junctions between neurons.

• coordinate the activation of the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems

• control pain through the release of opiate-like chemicals into the brain.

The longest part of a motor neuron is likely to be the

• dendrite

• axon

• cell body

• synapse

A brief electrical charge that travels down the axon of a neuron is called the

• synapse

• agonist

• action potential

• myelin sheath

José has just played a long, bruising football game but feels little fatigue or discomfort. His lack of pain is most likely caused by the release of:

• glutamate

• dopamine

• acetylcholine

• endorphins

The reuptake of a neurotransmitter such as serotonin would involve the reabsorption of serotonin into a(n):

• axon terminal

• receiving neuron

• myelin sheath

• glial cell

The reticular formation is located in the

• brain stem

• limbic system

• motor cortex

• cerebellum

Which brain structure receives information from all the senses except smell?

• hippocampus

• amygdala

• angular gyrus

• thalamus

The most extensive regions of the brain, which enable learning and memory, are called the

• reticular formation

• projection areas

• association areas

• temporal lobes

To demonstrate that brain stimulation can make a rat violently aggressive, a neuroscientist should electrically stimulate the rat's

• reticular formation

• amygdala

• medulla

• cerebellum

After Kato's serious motorcycle accident, doctors detected damage to his cerebellum. Kato is most likely to have difficulty

• experiencing intense emotions

• reading a book

• understanding what others are saying

• playing his guitar