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PSY 402 Midterm Exam Study Guide

1. Describe the Emergence of the field of cognitive science in the 20th century (pg. 10, chapter 1).
2. Define empiricism and associationism, and explain how these philosophies are reflected in the field of cognitive science. (pg 11-12 chapter 1)
3. Briefly explain Donald Hebb’s Statement, “Cells that fire together, wire together.” What significance did this proposal have on neuroscience?
4. Define myelin, the process of myelination, and the purpose of myelination. What happens when certain diseases cause demyelination?
5. Describe the structure and functions of the following cells: Schwann Cells, glia, microglia, and neurons.
6. Describe the structure of a neuron and the functions of its component parts.
7. Explain the process of neuronal signaling, including membrane potential, threshold potential, and equilibrium potential (chapter 2; pg 27)
8. List the primary excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters.
9. Identify the relationship between sensation and area on the somatosensory cortex of the post-central gyrus (chapter 2; pgs 54)
10. Identify the major lobes of the brain and the corpus callosum. What are the primary functions of the corpus callosum and lobes?
11. Describe the following parts of the brain (including their component structures): Brainstem, diencephalon, and telencephalon. Briefly describe the primary function of each major component. 
12. Describe the location and purpose of the following brain structures; basal ganglia, pons, corpus callosum, limbic system psy 402 midterm exam
13. Describe computed tomography- what is the purpose of a CT Scan, and what is the basic process for a scan?
14. Describe positron emission tomography- what is the purpose of a PET scan, and what is the basic process for a scan?
15. Identify the primary auditory cortex.
16. Define rods and cones, including their functions and primary locations.
17. Identify the primary visual pathway.
18. Identify the primary olfactory pathway.
19. Describe deficits in perception related to injuries in the optic nerves.
20. Identify sympathetic and parasympathetic responses.