The Nervous System
Lesson 9 - Correct Answer Key

    Correct answers are indicated by an asterisk (*).

  1. Which division of the autonomic nervous system is called upon to stimulate and prepare the body for emergency action, such as in the "fight or flight" response?

    *A. Sympathetic
    B. Parasympathetic
    C. Central
    D. Peripheral
    E. None of the above.


  2. The tiny gap between nerve cells through which one cell transmits a signal to another is referred to as the _______.

    A. axon
    B. dendrite
    *C. synapse
    D. synaptic bulbe


  3. Nerve cells that have a sheath of Schwann cells around their axons, for insulation and faster conduction, are known as ___________ nerves.

    A. bi-polar
    *B. myelinated
    C. sympathetic
    D. parasympathetic


  4. Substances such as serotonin and GABA, which are produced in the nerve cell and released across the synapse to transmit a signal to a neighboring nerve cell, are referred to as __________.

    *A. neurotransmitters
    B. ions
    C. drugs
    D. amino acids


  5. The neurotransmitter that is usually found to be low in cases depression is ________.

    A. acetylcholine
    *B. serotonin
    C. dopamine
    D. GABA


  6. The neurotransmitter that is also an amino acid and which is involved in slowing down nerve activity, thus having a calming effect on the mind, is ___________.

    A. acetylcholine
    B. serotonin
    C. dopamine
    *D. GABA


  7. The hormone that is secreted by the pineal gland to induce sleep is ________.

    A. acetylcholine
    B. serotonin
    C. dopamine
    *D. melatonin


  8. Which of the following is true about the amino acid Tryptophan?

    A. It is an "essential" amino acid.
    B. The body can't produce it.
    C. It is a nutrient that must be in the diet.
    D. It is available in the U.S. today in the form of 5-HTP.
    *E. All of the above.


  9. Which of the following is true about the herb ginkgo?

    A. It is one of the oldest still existing trees.
    B. The Chinese have used it in herbal medicine for years.
    C. It is one of the most popular herbal supplements used in Europe.
    D. It has been shown to help dementia and memory loss.
    *E. All of the above.


  10. This herb is widely used for depression. Among its active ingredients are hypericin and hyperforin, although its total benefits are the result of a synergistic interaction of all its naturally-occuring indredients.

    A. Hops
    B. Kava Kava
    *C. St. John's Wort
    D. Valerian
    E. Ginkgo


  11. This herb comes from the rhizome of the pepper plant, Piper methysticum, which is found in Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia. It is widely used for a nervous system relaxant for stress.

    A. Hops
    *B. Kava Kava
    C. St. John's Wort
    D. Valerian
    E. Ginkgo


  12. The name of this herb comes from a Latin word which means "to be in good health." It has been used for centuries as a natural tranquilizer and to promote good sleep.

    A. Hops
    B. Kava Kava
    C. St. John's Wort
    *D. Valerian
    E. Ginkgo


  13. Although it is perhaps best known for its use in beer brewing, this herb is valuable in the world of nutritional herbology for its sedative effect and for its ability to help induce sleep. It is one of the three ingredients in the popular sleep combination known as HVP.

    *A. Hops
    B. Kava Kava
    C. St. John's Wort
    D. Valerian
    E. Ginkgo


  14. Scientists have discovered that this herb contains natural chemicals called parthenolides, which are responsible for most of the herb's benefits. It is best known for its ability to help migraine sufferers.

    A. Kudzu
    B. Chamomile
    C. Passion Flower
    *D. Feverfew


  15. Which of the following herbs is a popular late night herbal tea sold around the world in grocery stores and health-food stores. It contains the amino acid tryptophan which helps boost serotonin levels in the brain which is helpful for sleep and mood.

    A. Kudzu
    *B. Chamomile
    C. Passion Flower
    D. Feverfew


  16. This popular herb for the nervous system received its common name from U.S. Spanish Christian missionaries who thought it resembled the crown of thorns and therefore named it after the Passion of Christ -- his suffering following the last supper until his death.

    A. Kudzu
    B. Chamomile
    *C. Passion Flower
    D. Feverfew


  17. What herb was referred to in the book MIRACLE CURES as "herbal Antabuse." (Antabuse is a prescription drug often given to alcoholics to keep them from drinking.) The herb does not cause a potential for nausea and vomiting, like Antabuse, but it is helpful in helping curb the craving for alcohol. Used in combination with St. John's Wort for mood, this is part of a powerful combination to nutritionally aid alcoholics who are desiring to quit.

    *A. Kudzu
    B. Chamomile
    C. Passion Flower
    D. Feverfew

Continue to Lesson 10