1.5 (Parts of the brain) Flashcards
What is the hippocampus responsible for
This has lead to the realisation that the hippocampus stores memories for minutes, days and weeks and is the memory store that supports quick mem- orisation and recall; it is the system we use to remember where we have left our book. This distinguishes it from longer term memory, memories of our childhood or information we find useful or evocative; these memories are stored in the cortex and are thought to be copied there, or consolidated, from the hippocampus. The two memory systems are thought to differ in how they store memories, reflecting the different priorities for each; in the hip- pocampus it is important not to mix memories up, in the cortex it is useful to link related information.
Why were hippocampuses removed
In an effort to cure epilepsy
What are place cells
Place cells are cells which fire when the animal is in a particular position; they can be thought of as storing a mem- ory for a particular place and their firing as part of the process of remem- bering that place.
Note: located in the hippocampus
Where in the brain is the cerebellum located
What is the cerebellum responsible for
The cerebellum is primarily responsible for coordinating voluntary movements, maintaining balance, posture, and fine motor skills. It plays a key role in motor control, helping to smooth and refine movements, as well as in motor learning, such as mastering skills that require precision.
What is characteristic of cerebellum damage
What is the forward model
The forward model is a predictive mechanism used by the brain to anticipate the sensory consequences of motor actions. By predicting outcomes, it helps adjust movements in real-time, improving coordination and accuracy, especially in complex or fast-paced tasks. This model is essential for motor learning and adapting actions to changes in the environment.
What is the basal ganglia
What part of the brain is parkinson’s associated with
Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder associated with stiff, even frozen, movements is associates with the loss of cells in the basal ganglia. It is believed that the basal ganglia provides a final ‘go’ signal allowing mo- tor commands to travel to their muscle target and that with cell loss in the basal ganglia this ‘go’ signal does not occur. Providing L-dopa, a dopamine precursor, can alleviate this difficulty, though, of course, this broad uplift in dopamine is not a complete substitute for the more exquisitely modulated provision of dopamine we can assume is provided by the substantia nigra
