Biopsychology

Biopsychology Stem Question Practise

Which of the following statements is false?

The ANS: a) comprises of two subsystems b) controls communication between the CNS and the environment c) plays an important role in homeostasis d) maintains internal processes like blood pressure (1 mark)

2. Joline has just been to the cinema with her friend to watch a new horror movie. While she is walking home alone she believes that she can hear footsteps following her and starts to panic. Without thinking she starts sprinting and gets home as fast as she can. She bursts through the front door, heart pounding, dripping with sweat and shaking. Outline the role of the ANS, referring to Joline s experience in your answer (4 marks)

3. Jack is 8-years-old and has recently been prescribed Ritalin to help with his ADHD. Jack s mother searches for Ritalin on the internet and learns that Ritalin elevates the level of dopamine, which is an excitatory neurotransmitter. Outline the role of excitatory neurotransmitters, referring to Jack in your answer (4 marks)

4. David is fourteen years old. Last year, he was hit by a bus when walking to school and suffered from serious head injuries. While David made a full physical recovery, he had problems with his speech and comprehension of language. However, after one year, David had recovered nearly all of his language abilities. Use your knowledge of functional recovery and plasticity to explain David s recovery (4 marks)

5. Joseph suffered a stroke when he was 45-years-old. He could move his left arm and leg but was paralysed down his right side. While Joseph could understand what was said to him, he was unable to speak. Referring to Joseph, discuss the role of language centres in the brain (6 marks)

John is an electrician and has just started a new jobs where he works shifts. He works 4 day shifts, and has 4 days off. After working night shifts John finds it difficult to sleep during the day and becomes very frustrated. Using your knowledge of endogenous pacemakers and exogenous zeitgebers, explain John s experiences (4 marks)