2890 - Unit 2 - Chapters 4-6

When Avery was a child, synaptic pruning occurred. What does this process refer to?

• The deterioration of myelin in the cerebral cortex.

• The generation of new neurons as a child develops over time.

• The “clipping” of axons that do not receive strong enough signals from other axons.

• The elimination of neurons as a result of nonuse or lack of stimulation.

Answer explanation

Synaptic pruning is the process where neurons that are not used or stimulated are eliminated, allowing the brain to strengthen important connections and improve efficiency.

David is learning to play the piano, and over time, his brain adapts to help him improve his skills. Which term describes the extent to which a developing structure or behavior can be modified due to experience?

• Synaptic pruning

• Proximodistal development

• Myelination

• Plasticity

Answer explanation

Plasticity refers to the ability of a developing structure or behavior to be shaped and modified by experience. This term captures the dynamic nature of development, making it the correct choice.

Charlotte is learning about how the brain works in her psychology class. She discovers that certain axons have a special sheath that acts as insulation and helps speed up neural transmissions. What is the name of this sheath?

• Fontanel

• Glial fiber

• Myelin

• Dendrite

Answer explanation

The sheath that develops around axons is called myelin. It acts as insulation, allowing electrical impulses to transmit more quickly along the nerve cells, which is crucial for efficient neural communication.

As Boris is giving his infant daughter a bath in the sink, he runs his finger up the bottom of her foot, causing the child to splay her toes and then curl them in. Which reflex is the infant demonstrating?

• Moro reflex

• Babinski reflex

• Reticular reflex

• Swimming reflex

Answer explanation

The infant is demonstrating the Babinski reflex, which occurs when the sole of the foot is stroked, causing the toes to splay and then curl. This reflex is common in infants and indicates normal neurological development.

Emma notices that she feels sleepy at night and alert during the day, following a pattern that mimics the light/dark cycle of the world. This pattern is known as a _______ rhythm.

• infradian

• ultradian

• circadian

• nocturnal

Answer explanation

The human sleep/wake cycle is regulated by a circadian rhythm, which aligns with the 24-hour light/dark cycle. Infradian rhythms occur over longer periods, while ultradian rhythms are shorter than 24 hours. Nocturnal refers to night activity.

Giuseppe's parents have noticed that their 2-month-old baby has been unusually fussy lately. If Giuseppe has colic, which characteristics will be most noticeable to his parents?

• His diarrhea and vomiting.

• His intense crying.

• His lack of appetite.

• His high fever and listlessness.

Answer explanation

Colic in infants is primarily characterized by intense crying, often occurring in the late afternoon or evening. This is the most noticeable symptom for parents, distinguishing it from other issues like diarrhea or fever.

What does an average infant’s birth weight look like by their first birthday?

• The weight has quadrupled since birth.

• The weight has doubled since birth.

• The weight has tripled since birth.

• The weight has increased only slightly compared to age 6 months.

Answer explanation

By their first birthday, an average infant's weight typically triples from their birth weight, reflecting significant growth during the first year of life.

Evelyn is a new parent and wants to know when she can start giving her baby solid food. At what age can babies start eating solid food, according to most pediatricians?

• 6 months

• 8 months

• 10 months

• 12 months

Answer explanation

Most pediatricians recommend introducing solid food to babies at around 6 months of age, as this is when they typically develop the necessary skills to handle solids and their nutritional needs increase.

Adam is a young child that is show symptoms of swelling, irritability, and an enlarged liver. The doctor has diagnosed him with kwashiorkor. What is the most likely cause of this disease?

• Restricted caloric intake

• Excess dietary vitamin B12

• Insufficient dietary protein

• Impaired immune system functioning

Answer explanation

Kwashiorkor is primarily caused by insufficient dietary protein, leading to malnutrition. This condition is characterized by edema, irritability, and an enlarged liver, highlighting the critical role of protein in maintaining health.

Harper visits a doctor because she feels tired and weak. The doctor tells her that she has micronutrient malnutrition. What causes this?

• Protein insufficiency

• Lack of sufficient vitamins and minerals

• Insufficient intake of carbohydrates

• Insufficiency of total calories

Answer explanation

Micronutrient malnutrition refers to a lack of sufficient vitamins and minerals, which are essential for various bodily functions. This condition can lead to serious health issues, unlike protein or calorie insufficiencies.