Quiz

Quizzes are available to test your understanding of the key concepts covered in each chapter. Click on the arrows next to each question to view the answer.

1. What structure composed of a set of nerve fibres joins the right and left hemisphere of the brain?

  1. Cerebral cortex
     
  2. Corpus callosum
     
  3. Anterior association area
     
  4. Posterior association area

Answer:

b. Corpus callosum

2.    In a neuron, information is transmitted along which structure from the cell body to the synapse?

  1. Axon    
     
  2. Dendrite
     
  3. Myelin sheath    
     
  4. Neurotransmitter

Answer:

a. Axon    

3.     Which of the following is not a structure of the cerebrum:

  1. The cerebral cortex
     
  2. The frontal lobe
     
  3. The limbic system
     
  4. The posterior association area

Answer:

4.    Hemispheric specialisation refers to which of the following actions?

  1. The travel of neurons to other locations in the brain    
     
  2. The overproduction of neurons and synapses    
     
  3. The disposal of a neurons connection to other neurons    
     
  4. Differential functions carried out by the two cerebral hemispheres

Answer:

d. Differential functions carried out by the two cerebral hemispheres

5.    Lateralization is a term that is best described as:

  1. The lack of change in the organization of function across the two hemispheres    
     
  2. The processes by which the two halves of the brain become specialized to carry out specific functions    
     
  3. Neuron generation
     
  4. Neurons that are generated and travel to other locations in the brain, guided by a set  of complex neurochemical processes

Answer: 

b. The processes by which the two halves of the brain become specialized to carry out specific functions  

6. Synaptic pruning refers to a process whereby:

  1. The brain disposes of synaptic connections that are rarely stimulated
     
  2. The brain creates new synaptic connections between neurons
     
  3. The loss of synaptic connections causes a serious brain disorder
     
  4. The brain creates too many synaptic connections resulting in a disorder

Answer:

a. The brain disposes of synaptic connections that are rarely stimulated

7. Myelin is an important substance and is responsible for:

  1. The transmission of chemical signals between neurons
     
  2. Insulating the axons of neurons and increasing the efficiency of neural transmission
     
  3. The creation of new synaptic connections
     
  4. The development of glial cells in the brain

Answer:

b. Insulating the axons of neurons and increasing the efficiency of neural transmission

8. Neuroplasticity refers to: 

  1. The effects of brain damage on cognitive functioning
     
  2. The effects of early deprivation on brain development
     
  3. The capacity of the brain to change as a result of new experiences over time
     
  4. The generation of new neurons in the brain

Answer:

c. The capacity of the brain to change as a result of new experiences over time

9. The case of ‘Genie’ illustrates:

  1. The importance of appropriate stimulation during a sensitive period for normal language development
     
  2. That the notion of ‘sensitive periods’ do not really apply in brain development
     
  3. That language is lateralised in the left hemisphere
     
  4. The capacity of the brain to recover from injury

Answer:

a. The importance of appropriate stimulation during a sensitive period for normal language development

10. ‘Experience-dependent plasticity’ refers to: 

  1. The recovery of the brain from injury
     
  2. Certain areas of the brain assuming the functions of other, damaged areas
     
  3. Changes in the brain as a result of specific learning experiences
     
  4. Brain development that only occurs during specific periods of the lifespan

Answer:

c. Changes in the brain as a result of specific learning experiences