Brain maturing and aging Flashcards
Neonatal brains are relatively underdeveloped, especially in what type of neonates?
Altricial
What is development learning?
Learning based on environment and experiences
What is neuronal plasticity?
The brain’s ability to change throughout life
What happens during brain development?
Mitosis and apoptosis of neurones
Development and pruning of synapses
Increased myelination
Strengthening of connectivity
What are sensitive periods?
Times where the brain is more susceptible to developmental learning
Some animals can only during specific time periods. What are these periods called?
Critical periods
What happens during adolesence? Multiple things
Significant brain development (non-linear, region specific)
Significant synapse pruning
Higher degree of plasticity
Increased myelination
When are the sensor and motor cortex fully developed?
After sexual maturity
How long do long term and short term memory last?
Short - second to hours
Long - days to years
What type of memory trace is present in long and short term memory?
Long = physical memory trace Short = electrical memory trace
What is the difference in capacity of long and short term memory?
Long term = infinite capacity
Short term = limited capacity (7-10)
How is short term memory converted into long term memory?
Rehearsal and consolidation
Why is long term memory constantly refined?
Due to new short term memories
If not rehearsed, what happens to short term memory?
Easily forgetton
Is long term memory forgotten permanently?
No - impermanent forgetting
Can take longer to retrieve information
What physical change happens when a short term memory becomes long term? Where does this take place?
Growth of dendrites
Forming of new synapses
Hippocampus and other limbic structures