COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE KEY PASSED
EXAM COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE 2026
◉ How does the amygdala enhance memory retention during
emotional arousal?
Answer: Modulates hippocampal memory consolidation
◉ What does the conceptual level do in the hierarchical
representation of action sequences?
Answer: Selects which body part and response method
◉ What motor pathway within the brain is unique to mammals
only?
Answer: Corticospinal
◉ How do alpha motor neurons produce the stretch reflex?
Answer: Alpha motor neurons release NT that causes muscle fibers
to contract.
◉ Which cortex is primarily linked to motor intention?
Answer: Parietal Cortex
,◉ Which subcortical structure is activated to help a gymnast
through a balance beam routine?
Answer: The Cerebellum
◉ What is an example of low-level mechanisms making postural
adjustments?
Answer: Central Pattern Generators
◉ What best describes hemiplegia?
Answer: Complete paralysis of contralateral limbs
◉ What neural change explains symptoms of Parkinson's Disease?
Answer: Degeneration of dopamine producing neurons in the
substantia nigra.
◉ What is true about the direct pathway of the basal ganglia?
Answer: The direct pathway of the basal ganglia allows movement to
proceed.
◉ What was damaged if a patient can perform individual
movements but struggles with complex behaviors?
Answer: High-level control systems that impair organization and
sequencing of goal-directed actions
, ◉ What structure was likely affected if a patient has difficulty
maintaining posture and balance after brain injury?
Answer: Extrapyramidal tract
◉ What part of the motor system hierarchy does the spinal cord
represent when sending signals to grab an apple?
Answer: Lowest level
◉ What is likely true about a patient with a lesion in the indirect
pathway of the basal ganglia?
Answer: The patient experiences uncontrollable rapid jerking
movements and difficulty walking.
◉ Which is NOT an example of alpha motor neuron use?
Answer: Studying for a test using memory recall
◉ Damage to the primary motor cortex is most associated with
which condition?
Answer: Hemiplegia
◉ What type of behavior is studying for an exam?
Answer: Goal-oriented behavior
EXAM COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE 2026
◉ How does the amygdala enhance memory retention during
emotional arousal?
Answer: Modulates hippocampal memory consolidation
◉ What does the conceptual level do in the hierarchical
representation of action sequences?
Answer: Selects which body part and response method
◉ What motor pathway within the brain is unique to mammals
only?
Answer: Corticospinal
◉ How do alpha motor neurons produce the stretch reflex?
Answer: Alpha motor neurons release NT that causes muscle fibers
to contract.
◉ Which cortex is primarily linked to motor intention?
Answer: Parietal Cortex
,◉ Which subcortical structure is activated to help a gymnast
through a balance beam routine?
Answer: The Cerebellum
◉ What is an example of low-level mechanisms making postural
adjustments?
Answer: Central Pattern Generators
◉ What best describes hemiplegia?
Answer: Complete paralysis of contralateral limbs
◉ What neural change explains symptoms of Parkinson's Disease?
Answer: Degeneration of dopamine producing neurons in the
substantia nigra.
◉ What is true about the direct pathway of the basal ganglia?
Answer: The direct pathway of the basal ganglia allows movement to
proceed.
◉ What was damaged if a patient can perform individual
movements but struggles with complex behaviors?
Answer: High-level control systems that impair organization and
sequencing of goal-directed actions
, ◉ What structure was likely affected if a patient has difficulty
maintaining posture and balance after brain injury?
Answer: Extrapyramidal tract
◉ What part of the motor system hierarchy does the spinal cord
represent when sending signals to grab an apple?
Answer: Lowest level
◉ What is likely true about a patient with a lesion in the indirect
pathway of the basal ganglia?
Answer: The patient experiences uncontrollable rapid jerking
movements and difficulty walking.
◉ Which is NOT an example of alpha motor neuron use?
Answer: Studying for a test using memory recall
◉ Damage to the primary motor cortex is most associated with
which condition?
Answer: Hemiplegia
◉ What type of behavior is studying for an exam?
Answer: Goal-oriented behavior
