FREE BAPSY Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Biological Basis of Behavior Questions and Answers Flashcards

Which lobe of the cerebral cortex is primarily responsible for processing visual information?

Answer: Occipital lobe

The occipital lobe, located at the back of the brain, contains the primary visual cortex and is the main center for visual processing.

What is the primary function of the myelin sheath in neural transmission?

Answer: To increase the speed of electrical signal transmission along the axon

The myelin sheath insulates the axon and enables saltatory conduction, which dramatically increases the speed of action potential propagation.

Which endocrine gland is often called the 'master gland' because it regulates other glands in the body?

Answer: Pituitary gland

The pituitary gland secretes hormones that control the function of other endocrine glands, earning it the designation of master gland.

What does the term 'neuroplasticity' refer to in the context of brain function?

Answer: The brain's ability to reorganize and form new neural connections throughout life

Neuroplasticity describes the brain's capacity to restructure itself by forming new synaptic connections, especially in response to learning or injury.

Which brain structure plays the most critical role in forming new explicit long-term memories?

Answer: Hippocampus

The hippocampus is essential for consolidating new declarative memories, as demonstrated by cases like patient H.M. who lost this ability after bilateral hippocampal removal.

Which type of neuron carries signals from the central nervous system to muscles and glands?

Answer: Motor (efferent) neurons

Motor neurons, also called efferent neurons, transmit signals from the brain and spinal cord to effector organs such as muscles and glands.