cortisol is a hormone that

ATI RN

Psychology 101 Final Exam

1. Cortisol is a hormone that ________

A. is released by the hypothalamus and travels to the pituitary gland, causing it to respond.
B. the pituitary gland releases to stimulate the adrenal gland.
C. the adrenal gland produces that mobilizes the body to deal with stress.
D. reduces the reuptake of the monoamine neurotransmitters.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal gland that mobilizes the body to deal with stress. It helps regulate metabolism, reduce inflammation, and assist in memory formulation. Choice A is incorrect as cortisol is not released by the hypothalamus and does not travel to the pituitary gland. Choice B is incorrect as cortisol is not released by the pituitary gland but acts on it to regulate hormone production. Choice D is incorrect as cortisol does not reduce the reuptake of monoamine neurotransmitters.

2. Understanding the causes of mental disorders is important because ________

A. effective treatment is not possible without such an understanding.
B. classification of disorders cannot be done without such information.
C. such knowledge might make both the prevention and cure of mental disorders possible.
D. disagreements about the causes of psychopathology have long limited the advancements made in the study of abnormal psychology.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Understanding the causes of mental disorders is crucial because it can potentially lead to both prevention and cure. By identifying the root causes, strategies can be developed to prevent the onset of disorders, and effective treatments can be tailored to address these causes directly. This approach can make treatments more efficient, as addressing the underlying factors contributing to the disorder can result in better outcomes for individuals. Choices A and B are incorrect because while understanding causes is important for effective treatment and classification, the primary focus is on prevention and cure. Choice D, while highlighting the impact of disagreements on advancements in abnormal psychology, does not directly address the importance of understanding causes for prevention and cure.

3. Normal human cells have ________

A. twenty-two chromosome pairs and one pair of sex chromosomes.
B. twenty-one trisomy chromosome pairs, one autosomal pair, and one pair of sex chromosomes.
C. twenty-one chromosome pairs and two trisomy chromosome pairs.
D. twenty-three chromosome pairs.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Normal human cells have twenty-two chromosome pairs and one pair of sex chromosomes. This is the correct answer as it accurately describes the typical chromosome count in human cells. Choice B is incorrect because it mentions 'twenty-one trisomy chromosome pairs,' which is not characteristic of normal cells. Choice C is incorrect as it suggests having 'two trisomy chromosome pairs,' which is abnormal. Choice D is incorrect as it states 'twenty-three chromosome pairs,' which is not the standard count in normal human cells.

4. Colleen found herself attracted to her psychology instructor. She would frequently go by his office just to be near him. When he didn't respond to her advances, Colleen eventually told him that she had thoughts of killing herself so that he would spend time trying to counsel her. What personality disorder best describes Colleen's thinking and behavior?

A. Borderline personality disorder
B. Schizoid personality disorder
C. Schizotypal personality disorder
D. Antisocial personality disorder

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Colleen's behavior of seeking attention and manipulating others by threatening self-harm to elicit a response from her psychology instructor aligns with the characteristics of borderline personality disorder. This disorder is characterized by unstable relationships, impulsive actions, and efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not match Colleen's behavior as described in the scenario. Schizoid personality disorder is characterized by a lack of interest in social relationships, Schizotypal personality disorder involves social anxiety and odd behavior, and Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a disregard for others' feelings and violating their rights.

5. What are substances, such as viruses and drugs, that can cause birth defects?

A. Teratogens
B. Placenta
C. Parturition
D. Androgens

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Teratogens are substances that can cause birth defects, especially if exposure occurs during critical periods of development. In this context, teratogens refer to external agents that can interfere with the development of the embryo or fetus, leading to structural or functional abnormalities. Choice B, Placenta, is incorrect as it is an organ that develops during pregnancy to provide nutrients and oxygen to the fetus and remove waste products. Choice C, Parturition, refers to the process of giving birth and is not related to substances that cause birth defects. Choice D, Androgens, are male sex hormones and are not associated with causing birth defects.