TJHSST BRAIN BEE PRACTICE TEST #1

Archis R. Bhandarkar

This practice test is meant to simulate questions that will be asked of Brain Bee
competitors participating in the Phase II or Oral Round of the competition. All questions
are taken from the Society of Neuroscience publication, Brain Facts. Several multiple
choice questions followed by questions to be answered in free answer format. An answer
key will be provided following the practice meet.

1. The Greek word for the branches of a tree give us the name of what part of a neuron?
(a) Soma
(b) Dendrites
(c) Axon
(d) None of the above

2. The general category of sensory receptor cells to which rods and cones fall under is?
(a) Mechanoreceptor
(b) Nociceptor
(c) Photoreceptor
(d) None of the above

3. Parkinson’s Disease is often treated with the administration of this substance from
which dopamine is synthesized.

4. Name this neurological condition, deeply contributed to by the actions of

prostaglandins, where innocuous stimuli may cause the feeling of pain.

5. The myelin sheath, which speeds the transmission of signals across the axon, is
composed of these kind of cells in the Central Nervous System.

6. This disease, characterized by fatigue and weakness, results from antibodies blocking
a particular type of acetylcholine receptor.

7. Drugs like fluoxetine relieve symptoms of depression and obsessive compulsive

disorder, altering the action of this neurotransmitter.

8. This movement disorder is caused by cell death in the basal ganglia and is
characterized by abnormal sudden jerky movements.

9. What enzyme breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine?

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10. The microscope hair cells found in the cochlea, riding on the basilar membrane are
known as what?

11. This nerve relays taste signals in the sensory nerves and transfers it to the thalamus.

12. Reduced GABA production in Huntington’s Disease causes what behavioral

symptoms?

13. What is the name for the bundle of fibers that connect the right and left hemispheres
of the brain?

14. The lowest concentration of the protein sonic hedgehog promotes the growth of these
kind of cells in spinal cord development.

15. What is the active ingredient in marijuana, abbreviated as THC?

16. Visual information from the retina passes through this “intermediate way station” in
the thalamus before passing on to the primary visual cortex.

17. This area of the frontal lobe of the left hemisphere has the function of producing
speech.

18. Three bulges in an embryo’s neural tube eventually develop into what three parts of a
the human brain?

19. What is the name for the brain’s ability to modify neural connections to better cope
with new circumstances?

20. Almost all abused drugs produce pleasure in the user by activating this particular
network of neurons.

21. Name three particular regions of the brain which are always affected by the actions of
coaine, amphetamines, opiates, and alcohol.

22. Microscopic examination of the brain of Alzheimer’s Disease patients typically reveal
what two hallmarks of pathogenesis?

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