AP Psychology : AP Psychology

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Psychology

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Example Questions

Example Question #1311 : Ap Psychology

Which of the following describes one function of an interneuron? 

Possible Answers:

It connects sensory neurons and motor neurons

It conveys information from the outside world to the brain

It helps produce movement

It insulates axons

It transmits information across the synapse

Correct answer:

It connects sensory neurons and motor neurons

Explanation:

Interneurons connect sensory neurons to motor neurons. 

It is motor neurons that help produce movement, sensory neurons that convey information from the outside world to the brain, myelin sheaths that insulate axons, and neurotransmitters that transmit information across the synapse. 

Example Question #1312 : Ap Psychology

What is the name of the time after a neuron fires?

Possible Answers:

Refractory period

Synapse

Resting potential

Action potential

Correct answer:

Refractory period

Explanation:

The time frame when a neuron cannot fire because it has just fired is called the refractory period. 

Example Question #1313 : Ap Psychology

What causes the synaptic vesicle to move towards and fuse with the cell membrane allowing for release of neurotransmitter?

Possible Answers:

Nodes of Ranvier

Refractory period

Action potential

Resting potential

Correct answer:

Action potential

Explanation:

Action potentials travel down the axon to the axon terminal. When an action potential arrives in the axon terminal it signals the synaptic vesicles to move toward the cell membrane. The synaptic vesicle fuses with the cell membrane and releases neurotransmitter. 

Example Question #12 : Biology

When leftover neurotransmitter is present in the synapse there is a process that allows the neurotransmitter to be reabsorbed by the releasing neuron. What is this process called?

Possible Answers:

Inhibitory

Excitatory

Release

Reuptake

Correct answer:

Reuptake

Explanation:

Reuptake is a term used to describe the process of a neuron absorbing the remaining neurotransmitter back into the axon terminal for release. SSRIs used to treat depression, they function by inhibiting this reuptake process for serotonin.

Example Question #21 : Neurons And Action Potentials

Which neurotransmitter has an inhibitory effect on heart muscle fibers but has an excitatory affect on skeletal muscle fiber?

Possible Answers:

Serotonin

Dopamine

GABA

Acetylcholine

Correct answer:

Acetylcholine

Explanation:

Acetylcholine affects movement, learning, memory and REM sleep. It has an excitatory affect on skeletal muscle fiber and an inhibitory affect on heart muscle fibers. 

Example Question #21 : Biology

If a person is having issues with mood regulation and aggression they are most likely caused by which neurotransmitter?

Possible Answers:

Norepinephrine

Serotonin

Epinephrine

Glutamate

Correct answer:

Serotonin

Explanation:

Serotonin affects mood, sleep, appetite, impulsivity and aggression. If a person's level of serotonin is too high or too low it could affect mood and aggression. Depression has been directly linked to serotonin levels, and the most regularly prescribed Anti-Depressant drugs (SSRIs) regulat the serotonin re-uptake process, thus elevating the serotonin levels in patients.

Example Question #22 : Biology

Which of the following neurotransmitters is usually found between motor neurons and skeletal muscles?

Possible Answers:

Norepinephrine 

Epinepherine 

Acetylcholine

Dopamine

Seratonin 

Correct answer:

Acetylcholine

Explanation:

Acetylcholine is among one of the best understood neurotransmitters. Acetylcholine plays a part in learning, memory, and motor control. It's responsible for muscular contraction upon release and sensing by the cell receptors; therefore, it is usually found between motor neurons and skeletal muscles. 

Example Question #23 : Biology

Which of the following is an example of a malfunction linked to blocking the transmission of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)?

Possible Answers:

Overstimulation of the brain that causing migraines

Increased bouts of depression

Increased memory loss

Increased difficulty in waking from sleep

Increased occurrences of tremors, seizures, and insomnia

Correct answer:

Increased occurrences of tremors, seizures, and insomnia

Explanation:

GABA is known to be a major inhibitory neurotransmitter. GABA is observed to be most active in the brain during times of rest and sleep. In a sense, it inhibits being awake and it can reduce the occurance of tremors and seizures. As a result, malfunctions linked to blocking the trnsmission of this neurotransmitter can result in tremors, seizures, and bouts of insomnia.

Example Question #22 : Neurons And Action Potentials

Which of the following choices best describes the term associated with the process of developing synapses?

Possible Answers:

Plasticity

Synaptogenesis

Aphasia

Pruning

Correct answer:

Synaptogenesis

Explanation:

Synaptogenesis is the process of developing synapes. Synaptogenesis occurs throughout the lifespan and in spurts; this process results in the generation of dendrites and axons.

Example Question #23 : Neurons And Action Potentials

Which of the following choices best describes the term associated with the process of removing unnecessary synapses?

Possible Answers:

Synaptogenesis

Plasticity

Pruning

Myelination

Correct answer:

Pruning

Explanation:

When synapses are unnecessary or redundant the brain eliminates them. This process is known as pruning. Pruning is a crucial part of the development process and follows each synaptogenesis spurt. 

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