Test on Human Affective and Social Neuroscience

Question 1: Emotional arousal increases norepinephrine levels in the brain, which then stimulates beta-adrenergic receptors in the amygdala to promote memory consolidation.

A. Yes

B. No

Explanation: Emotional events lead to the release of norepinephrine through the locus coeruleus, and this norepinephrine stimulates beta-adrenergic receptors in the amygdala, promoting the consolidation of memories. The amygdala is critical for the enhancement of emotional memories.

Question 2: Which of the following statements accurately describe aspects of chemical synapse function or neurotransmitter synthesis according to the provided materials?

A. Chemical synapses are capable of amplifying signals, allowing for large or low release of neurotransmitters.

B. Neurotransmitters like glutamate and GABA are synthesized in the presynaptic terminal.

C. During Long Term Potentiation (LTP), glutamate release from the presynaptic cell primarily stimulates calcium entry through AMPA receptors.

D. Neuropeptides such as Substance P and Endorphins are synthesized in the neuronal cell body.

Explanation: Chemical synapses are described as 'plastic' and able to 'amplify signal (large or low release of transmitters)', making option 0 correct. The study materials state that 'amino acids – GLUTAMATE (major excitatory), GABA (major inhibitory)...' are 'Synthetised in the presynaptic terminal', making option 1 correct. For LTP, the materials state that 'Glutamate stimulates AMPA and NMDA receptors on the post-synaptic cell' and that 'NMDA receptors now lets in calcium (Ca²⁺)', while 'AMPA receptors opens ion-channel and lets in sodium (Na+)', not primarily calcium, making option 2 incorrect. The materials explicitly state that 'neuropeptides – SUBSTANCE P, ENDORPHINE...' are 'Synthetised in the neuronal cell body', making option 3 correct.

Question 3: PET offers the advantage of allowing for neurochemical measurements.

A. Yes

B. No

Explanation: The study materials list 'neurochemical measurements possible' as an advantage of PET.

Question 4: Which of the following describes a typical characteristic or type of activation study, according to the provided materials?

A. They primarily aim to diagnose neurological disorders by identifying structural abnormalities.

B. They commonly involve comparing a baseline condition to an experimental condition of interest to localize brain activity.

C. Types of activation studies include pharmacological probes and symptom provocation.

D. The design of activation studies often relies on measuring changes in peripheral physiological responses like heart rate.

Explanation: Activation studies aim at localizing and isolating brain territory involved in certain cognitive, sensory, or affective processes. They compare different conditions, typically subtracting a baseline condition from an experimental condition of interest (target task) to reveal regionally specific differences in brain activity. Specific types of activation or challenge studies mentioned include standard cognitive or emotional tasks, pharmacological probes, symptom provocation, and tasks targeting a dysfunctional region. Peripheral measures are separate from activation study designs.

Question 5: Behavioral assessment of sadness includes symptoms of sympathetic activity, such as increased heart rate and sweating.

A. Yes

B. No

Explanation: Behavioral assessment for sadness includes symptoms of parasympathetic activity, not sympathetic. Increased heart rate and sweating are symptoms of sympathetic activity, which are listed under the behavioral assessment for fear.