Santiago Ramon y Cajal — Questions and answers

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What did many scientists think the nervous system was like before Cajal's discoveries?

Choices

  1. A. A collection of tiny, separate cells.
  2. B. A vast, continuous network, like an unbroken mesh. ✓
  3. C. A simple chain of thoughts.
  4. D. A hidden secret inside the skull.

Answer: B. A vast, continuous network, like an unbroken mesh.

From page 2

How did Cajal improve on Golgi's 'black reaction' method to learn more about the brain?

Choices

  1. A. He used the method only on grown-up animals.
  2. B. He added new colors to the stain.
  3. C. He used his artistic talent and careful observation to see new patterns. ✓
  4. D. He made the stain work faster.

Answer: C. He used his artistic talent and careful observation to see new patterns.

From page 4

What finally proved Cajal's idea that brain cells are separate and have tiny gaps between them?

Choices

  1. A. A big argument between scientists.
  2. B. A new kind of powerful microscope called electron microscopy. ✓
  3. C. Everyone just decided to agree with Cajal.
  4. D. Camillo Golgi changed his mind.

Answer: B. A new kind of powerful microscope called electron microscopy.

From page 7

What special award did Santiago Ramón y Cajal and Camillo Golgi both receive in 1906?

Choices

  1. A. A prize for the best painting.
  2. B. The Nobel Prize. ✓
  3. C. An award for friendly teamwork.
  4. D. The Golden Microscope Award.

Answer: B. The Nobel Prize.

From page 8

How did Cajal's discovery of neurons help scientists today?

Choices

  1. A. It helped them learn how to draw better pictures.
  2. B. It helped them understand how the brain processes information and how to treat brain problems. ✓
  3. C. It helped them find new types of stains.
  4. D. It helped them build bigger microscopes.

Answer: B. It helped them understand how the brain processes information and how to treat brain problems.

From page 9

What important title is Santiago Ramón y Cajal often called today?

Choices

  1. A. The 'father of modern art.'
  2. B. The 'father of modern neuroscience.' ✓
  3. C. The 'father of old stories.'
  4. D. The 'father of the continuous net.'

Answer: B. The 'father of modern neuroscience.'

From page 10