Psychology MCQs (101–200)
100 psychology MCQs with answers on brain, nerves, vision, hearing & sleep. Great for AP, GRE, A-level & university psychology students.
101. The basic building block of the nervous system is the:
(A) Neuron ✅
(B) Axon
(C) Synapse
(D) Dendrite
Explanation: Neurons are the fundamental units of the brain and nervous system responsible for transmitting information.
102. The gap between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released is called:
(A) Axon terminal
(B) Synapse ✅
(C) Myelin sheath
(D) Soma
Explanation: Synapses are tiny junctions where neurons communicate using chemical signals.
103. The fatty covering that speeds up neural transmission is the:
(A) Dendrite
(B) Myelin sheath ✅
(C) Synapse
(D) Cell body
Explanation: Myelin insulates axons, allowing electrical signals to travel faster.
104. Which part of the neuron receives incoming signals?
(A) Axon
(B) Dendrites ✅
(C) Synapse
(D) Terminal buttons
Explanation: Dendrites branch out from the soma and receive chemical signals from other neurons.
105. The central nervous system (CNS) consists of:
(A) Brain and spinal cord ✅
(B) Brain and nerves
(C) Spinal cord and nerves
(D) Autonomic and somatic systems
Explanation: The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord, controlling most body functions.
106. The peripheral nervous system (PNS) includes:
(A) Brain and spinal cord
(B) Somatic and autonomic systems ✅
(C) Spinal cord only
(D) Brain only
Explanation: The PNS connects the CNS to the rest of the body through nerves.
107. The autonomic nervous system controls:
(A) Voluntary muscles
(B) Involuntary functions ✅
(C) Reflex actions
(D) Thinking processes
Explanation: The autonomic nervous system regulates heartbeat, breathing, and digestion.
108. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for:
(A) Rest and digest
(B) Fight or flight ✅
(C) Memory processing
(D) Reflexes
Explanation: Sympathetic activation increases heart rate and prepares the body for action.
109. The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for:
(A) Fight or flight
(B) Rest and digest ✅
(C) Stress response
(D) Muscle reflexes
Explanation: Parasympathetic system calms the body after stress and restores balance.
110. The brain’s largest part, responsible for higher functions, is the:
(A) Cerebellum
(B) Cerebrum ✅
(C) Brainstem
(D) Medulla
Explanation: The cerebrum controls reasoning, planning, movement, and complex thought.
111. Which part of the brain coordinates balance and movement?
(A) Cerebellum ✅
(B) Hypothalamus
(C) Amygdala
(D) Frontal lobe
Explanation: The cerebellum ensures smooth motor coordination and posture.
112. The brain’s relay center for sensory information is the:
(A) Hypothalamus
(B) Thalamus ✅
(C) Hippocampus
(D) Medulla
Explanation: The thalamus processes and relays sensory input to the cerebral cortex.
113. The hippocampus is primarily involved in:
(A) Balance
(B) Memory ✅
(C) Emotions
(D) Reflexes
Explanation: The hippocampus plays a vital role in forming and storing new memories.
114. The amygdala is linked with:
(A) Fear and emotion ✅
(B) Memory storage
(C) Movement coordination
(D) Hormone release
Explanation: The amygdala regulates emotional responses, especially fear and aggression.
115. The hypothalamus regulates:
(A) Emotions only
(B) Hunger, thirst, and body temperature ✅
(C) Movement
(D) Balance
Explanation: The hypothalamus maintains homeostasis and controls basic survival functions.
116. Which brain lobe is responsible for decision-making and problem-solving?
(A) Parietal
(B) Frontal ✅
(C) Temporal
(D) Occipital
Explanation: The frontal lobe handles executive functions, speech, and voluntary movement.
117. Which brain lobe processes visual information?
(A) Temporal
(B) Occipital ✅
(C) Frontal
(D) Parietal
Explanation: The occipital lobe interprets input from the eyes.
118. Which brain lobe processes auditory information?
(A) Parietal
(B) Temporal ✅
(C) Occipital
(D) Frontal
Explanation: The temporal lobe handles hearing and language comprehension.
119. Which brain lobe processes sensory information like touch?
(A) Parietal ✅
(B) Temporal
(C) Occipital
(D) Frontal
Explanation: The parietal lobe integrates sensory input for perception and spatial awareness.
120. The medulla controls:
(A) Breathing and heart rate ✅
(B) Memory
(C) Emotions
(D) Hormones
Explanation: The medulla oblongata regulates vital life functions like heartbeat and respiration.
121. Which imaging technique shows brain activity using blood flow?
(A) EEG
(B) MRI
(C) fMRI ✅
(D) CT scan
Explanation: fMRI tracks oxygen-rich blood to study real-time brain activity.
122. Which brain imaging method records electrical activity?
(A) EEG ✅
(B) PET
(C) MRI
(D) fMRI
Explanation: EEG measures brain waves, often used in sleep and epilepsy research.
123. A PET scan measures:
(A) Blood sugar levels
(B) Brain’s glucose metabolism ✅
(C) Electrical activity
(D) Hormones
Explanation: PET scans show how the brain uses energy and reveals active regions.
124. Which neurotransmitter is linked with pleasure and reward?
(A) Dopamine ✅
(B) Serotonin
(C) GABA
(D) Acetylcholine
Explanation: Dopamine plays a key role in motivation, learning, and addiction.
125. Low levels of serotonin are associated with:
(A) Anxiety
(B) Depression ✅
(C) Schizophrenia
(D) Parkinson’s disease
Explanation: Serotonin imbalance is strongly linked with mood disorders.
126. Which neurotransmitter is vital for muscle contraction?
(A) Serotonin
(B) Acetylcholine ✅
(C) Dopamine
(D) GABA
Explanation: Acetylcholine enables communication between nerves and muscles.
127. GABA is primarily a:
(A) Excitatory neurotransmitter
(B) Inhibitory neurotransmitter ✅
(C) Hormone
(D) Enzyme
Explanation: GABA reduces neuron excitability, helping control anxiety and calmness.
128. Endorphins act as:
(A) Stress hormones
(B) Natural painkillers ✅
(C) Neurotoxins
(D) Enzymes
Explanation: Endorphins reduce pain perception and boost positive feelings.
129. Which part of the brain is known as the “emotional brain”?
(A) Brainstem
(B) Limbic system ✅
(C) Cerebellum
(D) Frontal lobe
Explanation: The limbic system controls emotions, motivation, and memory.
130. Which gland is called the “master gland”?
(A) Adrenal gland
(B) Thyroid gland
(C) Pituitary gland ✅
(D) Pineal gland
Explanation: The pituitary gland regulates many hormones and directs other glands.
131. The pineal gland secretes:
(A) Insulin
(B) Melatonin ✅
(C) Dopamine
(D) Cortisol
Explanation: Melatonin regulates sleep-wake cycles.
132. The adrenal glands produce:
(A) Cortisol ✅
(B) Melatonin
(C) Dopamine
(D) Insulin
Explanation: Cortisol is the body’s stress hormone, secreted by adrenal glands.
133. The thyroid gland regulates:
(A) Memory
(B) Metabolism ✅
(C) Emotions
(D) Sleep
Explanation: Thyroid hormones control metabolism and energy balance.
134. Which brain hemisphere is more associated with language?
(A) Left ✅
(B) Right
(C) Both
(D) Neither
Explanation: The left hemisphere generally controls speech and language functions.
135. The right hemisphere is more specialized in:
(A) Logic
(B) Creativity and spatial skills ✅
(C) Language
(D) Reading
Explanation: The right hemisphere processes art, music, and spatial awareness.
136. The Broca’s area is important for:
(A) Speech production ✅
(B) Hearing
(C) Balance
(D) Reading
Explanation: Broca’s area controls articulation and language production.
137. The Wernicke’s area is important for:
(A) Speech production
(B) Language comprehension ✅
(C) Motor control
(D) Hearing only
Explanation: Wernicke’s area helps understand spoken and written language.
138. Damage to the hippocampus can cause:
(A) Loss of memory ✅
(B) Loss of balance
(C) Loss of emotions
(D) Loss of speech
Explanation: The hippocampus is crucial for long-term memory formation.
139. Which brain structure is crucial for survival functions like breathing?
(A) Medulla ✅
(B) Hippocampus
(C) Thalamus
(D) Cerebellum
Explanation: The medulla controls heartbeat and respiration.
140. Which system controls glands and hormones?
(A) Nervous system
(B) Endocrine system ✅
(C) Digestive system
(D) Limbic system
Explanation: The endocrine system regulates hormones affecting growth, metabolism, and stress.
141. The thalamus acts as:
(A) Emotion center
(B) Relay station for sensory information ✅
(C) Balance controller
(D) Memory storage
Explanation: Thalamus passes sensory signals to relevant brain areas.
142. The cerebellum is responsible for:
(A) Breathing
(B) Coordination and balance ✅
(C) Emotions
(D) Hearing
Explanation: Cerebellum fine-tunes movement and balance.
143. Which brain lobe is responsible for vision?
(A) Parietal
(B) Temporal
(C) Occipital ✅
(D) Frontal
Explanation: Occipital lobe controls visual processing.
144. The temporal lobe is mainly linked with:
(A) Smell
(B) Hearing and memory ✅
(C) Touch
(D) Balance
Explanation: Temporal lobe processes auditory signals and memory.
145. The parietal lobe processes:
(A) Visual signals
(B) Sensory information ✅
(C) Emotions
(D) Breathing
Explanation: Parietal lobe integrates touch, temperature, and spatial awareness.
146. The frontal lobe is responsible for:
(A) Motor control, planning, decision-making ✅
(B) Vision
(C) Smell
(D) Hearing
Explanation: Frontal lobe controls executive functions and voluntary actions.
147. Which brain structure controls hunger?
(A) Hippocampus
(B) Hypothalamus ✅
(C) Thalamus
(D) Cerebellum
Explanation: Hypothalamus regulates hunger, thirst, and body temperature.
148. Which hormone is called the “stress hormone”?
(A) Insulin
(B) Cortisol ✅
(C) Melatonin
(D) Thyroxine
Explanation: Cortisol is released during stress by adrenal glands.
149. Which neurotransmitter is linked to Alzheimer’s disease?
(A) Dopamine
(B) Acetylcholine ✅
(C) GABA
(D) Serotonin
Explanation: Low acetylcholine levels are associated with memory loss in Alzheimer’s.
150. Parkinson’s disease is caused by the loss of:
(A) Serotonin
(B) Dopamine ✅
(C) GABA
(D) Endorphins
Explanation: Dopamine deficiency in the substantia nigra causes Parkinson’s symptoms.
151. Schizophrenia is linked with excess:
(A) Dopamine ✅
(B) Serotonin
(C) GABA
(D) Acetylcholine
Explanation: Overactive dopamine transmission is linked to psychosis.
152. Which neurotransmitter regulates sleep and mood?
(A) GABA
(B) Serotonin ✅
(C) Dopamine
(D) Acetylcholine
Explanation: Serotonin helps regulate sleep cycles and emotional balance.
153. Which part of the brain regulates circadian rhythm?
(A) Hippocampus
(B) Suprachiasmatic nucleus ✅
(C) Amygdala
(D) Cerebellum
Explanation: SCN of the hypothalamus controls sleep-wake cycles.
154. Which imaging technique shows brain metabolism?
(A) MRI
(B) PET ✅
(C) EEG
(D) X-ray
Explanation: PET scans measure glucose metabolism in active brain areas.
155. Which part of the brain processes fear and aggression?
(A) Hippocampus
(B) Amygdala ✅
(C) Cerebellum
(D) Hypothalamus
Explanation: Amygdala is key for emotional responses.
156. Which structure connects the two hemispheres of the brain?
(A) Thalamus
(B) Corpus callosum ✅
(C) Medulla
(D) Hypothalamus
Explanation: Corpus callosum allows communication between brain hemispheres.
157. Neuroplasticity refers to:
(A) Brain’s ability to heal wounds
(B) Brain’s ability to reorganize itself ✅
(C) Brain’s electrical signals
(D) Brain hormones
Explanation: Neuroplasticity enables learning and adaptation.
158. Which brain area regulates balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic systems?
(A) Hypothalamus ✅
(B) Amygdala
(C) Cerebellum
(D) Frontal lobe
Explanation: Hypothalamus controls autonomic nervous system.
159. Which lobe houses the motor cortex?
(A) Frontal ✅
(B) Temporal
(C) Occipital
(D) Parietal
Explanation: Motor cortex initiates voluntary movements.
160. The somatosensory cortex is located in the:
(A) Frontal lobe
(B) Parietal lobe ✅
(C) Temporal lobe
(D) Occipital lobe
Explanation: It processes body sensations like touch and temperature.
161. The brainstem includes:
(A) Pons, medulla, midbrain ✅
(B) Thalamus, cerebellum, hippocampus
(C) Frontal, parietal, occipital lobes
(D) Pituitary, pineal, thyroid glands
Explanation: Brainstem controls vital survival functions.
162. Which system prepares the body for fight-or-flight response?
(A) Parasympathetic
(B) Sympathetic ✅
(C) Endocrine
(D) Limbic
Explanation: Sympathetic nervous system increases alertness during stress.
163. Which system calms the body after stress?
(A) Parasympathetic ✅
(B) Sympathetic
(C) Endocrine
(D) Limbic
Explanation: Parasympathetic system restores relaxation.
164. Which gland regulates calcium in the body?
(A) Pituitary
(B) Parathyroid ✅
(C) Adrenal
(D) Pineal
Explanation: Parathyroid glands regulate calcium levels.
165. Which neurotransmitter reduces anxiety?
(A) Serotonin
(B) GABA ✅
(C) Dopamine
(D) Acetylcholine
Explanation: GABA has calming and anti-anxiety effects.
166. Multiple sclerosis (MS) damages:
(A) Myelin sheath ✅
(B) Synapse
(C) Neurotransmitters
(D) Axons
Explanation: MS is an autoimmune disease attacking myelin.
167. Which cells form myelin in the central nervous system?
(A) Schwann cells
(B) Oligodendrocytes ✅
(C) Astrocytes
(D) Microglia
Explanation: Oligodendrocytes form myelin in the CNS.
168. Which cells form myelin in the peripheral nervous system?
(A) Schwann cells ✅
(B) Oligodendrocytes
(C) Astrocytes
(D) Microglia
Explanation: Schwann cells insulate neurons in the PNS.
169. Which part of the neuron receives messages?
(A) Axon
(B) Dendrites ✅
(C) Myelin
(D) Synapse
Explanation: Dendrites receive signals from other neurons.
170. Which part of the neuron sends messages?
(A) Axon ✅
(B) Dendrite
(C) Soma
(D) Synapse
Explanation: Axons transmit signals to other neurons.
171. The tiny gap between neurons is called:
(A) Soma
(B) Synapse ✅
(C) Axon hillock
(D) Myelin gap
Explanation: Synapse is where neurotransmitters travel between neurons.
172. Which ions are crucial for action potential?
(A) Sodium and potassium ✅
(B) Calcium and chloride
(C) Magnesium and iron
(D) Hydrogen and oxygen
Explanation: Sodium influx and potassium efflux generate nerve impulses.
173. The “all-or-none principle” refers to:
(A) Hormone release
(B) Neuron firing ✅
(C) Muscle contraction
(D) Gland secretion
Explanation: Neurons either fire fully or not at all.
174. Action potential travels fastest in:
(A) Non-myelinated axons
(B) Myelinated axons ✅
(C) Damaged axons
(D) Synaptic clefts
Explanation: Myelin speeds up nerve impulse transmission.
175. The refractory period in neurons is:
(A) Resting phase ✅
(B) Overfiring
(C) Memory storage
(D) Learning stage
Explanation: During refractory period, a neuron cannot fire again immediately.
176. Which neurotransmitter is involved in addiction?
(A) Dopamine ✅
(B) Serotonin
(C) GABA
(D) Acetylcholine
Explanation: Dopamine’s reward pathway is central to addiction.
177. Which part of the brain is key for decision-making?
(A) Frontal lobe ✅
(B) Occipital lobe
(C) Temporal lobe
(D) Parietal lobe
Explanation: Frontal lobe regulates reasoning, judgment, and planning.
178. Which brain system links nervous and endocrine systems?
(A) Limbic
(B) Hypothalamus ✅
(C) Amygdala
(D) Medulla
Explanation: Hypothalamus connects the nervous and hormonal systems.
179. Which hormone regulates blood sugar?
(A) Insulin ✅
(B) Cortisol
(C) Melatonin
(D) Thyroxine
Explanation: Insulin helps lower blood sugar levels.
180. Which disorder is linked with underactive thyroid?
(A) Hyperthyroidism
(B) Hypothyroidism ✅
(C) Diabetes
(D) Schizophrenia
Explanation: Hypothyroidism slows metabolism, leading to fatigue.
181. Which hormone prepares the body for emergencies?
(A) Adrenaline ✅
(B) Insulin
(C) Estrogen
(D) Thyroxine
Explanation: Adrenaline increases heart rate and energy during stress.
182. Which part of the brain is key for motor learning?
(A) Cerebellum ✅
(B) Frontal lobe
(C) Thalamus
(D) Hippocampus
Explanation: Cerebellum fine-tunes movement skills.
183. Which disorder involves nerve cell death in the motor system?
(A) Alzheimer’s
(B) ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) ✅
(C) Parkinson’s
(D) MS
Explanation: ALS affects motor neurons, leading to paralysis.
184. Which brain wave pattern is dominant during deep sleep?
(A) Alpha
(B) Delta ✅
(C) Beta
(D) Gamma
Explanation: Delta waves dominate during slow-wave sleep.
185. Which brain waves are linked with relaxation?
(A) Alpha ✅
(B) Beta
(C) Delta
(D) Gamma
Explanation: Alpha waves appear in calm, resting states.
186. Which brain waves dominate during active thinking?
(A) Alpha
(B) Beta ✅
(C) Delta
(D) Theta
Explanation: Beta waves are linked with focus and problem-solving.
187. The “fight or flight” response is triggered by:
(A) Adrenaline ✅
(B) Dopamine
(C) Serotonin
(D) GABA
Explanation: Adrenaline prepares the body for quick action.
188. Which brain structure integrates smell with emotion?
(A) Hippocampus
(B) Olfactory bulb ✅
(C) Amygdala
(D) Hypothalamus
Explanation: Olfactory bulb connects smell and limbic emotions.
189. Which neurotransmitter deficiency causes anxiety and seizures?
(A) Dopamine
(B) GABA ✅
(C) Serotonin
(D) Acetylcholine
Explanation: GABA deficiency increases neuron excitability.
190. Which neurotransmitter imbalance is linked to bipolar disorder?
(A) Dopamine and serotonin ✅
(B) GABA
(C) Acetylcholine
(D) Endorphins
Explanation: Bipolar disorder involves fluctuations in dopamine/serotonin levels.
191. Which gland controls growth during childhood?
(A) Thyroid
(B) Pituitary ✅
(C) Adrenal
(D) Pineal
Explanation: Pituitary gland releases growth hormone.
192. Which part of the nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord?
(A) Central nervous system ✅
(B) Peripheral nervous system
(C) Autonomic nervous system
(D) Somatic nervous system
Explanation: CNS is the control center of the body.
193. The autonomic nervous system controls:
(A) Voluntary movements
(B) Involuntary functions ✅
(C) Learning
(D) Vision
Explanation: ANS regulates heartbeat, digestion, and breathing.
194. Which division of the nervous system controls skeletal muscles?
(A) Somatic nervous system ✅
(B) Autonomic nervous system
(C) Central nervous system
(D) Sympathetic system
Explanation: Somatic system regulates voluntary movement.
195. Which nervous system prepares the body for emergencies?
(A) Sympathetic ✅
(B) Parasympathetic
(C) Somatic
(D) Endocrine
Explanation: Sympathetic division increases heart rate and readiness.
196. Which nervous system restores calm after stress?
(A) Sympathetic
(B) Parasympathetic ✅
(C) Somatic
(D) Central
Explanation: Parasympathetic division slows heart rate and promotes rest.
197. Which part of neuron contains the nucleus?
(A) Axon
(B) Soma ✅
(C) Dendrite
(D) Synapse
Explanation: Soma (cell body) holds nucleus and organelles.
198. Which ion channel opens first during action potential?
(A) Sodium ✅
(B) Potassium
(C) Calcium
(D) Chloride
Explanation: Sodium influx initiates depolarization.
199. Which neurotransmitter is linked with muscle paralysis in botulism?
(A) Acetylcholine ✅
(B) Dopamine
(C) GABA
(D) Serotonin
Explanation: Botulinum toxin blocks acetylcholine release.
200. Which brain part acts as “switchboard” for sleep and wakefulness?
(A) Thalamus ✅
(B) Hippocampus
(C) Amygdala
(D) Cerebellum
Explanation: Thalamus regulates sensory signals and plays a role in sleep cycles.