Brain Structures in Memory

Question 1

What is the hippocampus and what does it do?

Answer 1

Encodes new explicit memories, from STM to LTM.
if damage occurs then old memories will be able to be retrieved however no new memories will be able to be encoded.

Question 2

What is the amygdala and what does it do?

Answer 2

The amygdala processes and regulates emotional reactions.
Encodes classically conditioned emotional components
Also recognises danger and the fear component of memories.

Question 3

What is the Neocortex and what does it do?

Answer 3

The neocortex is the site of processing, storage and retrieval of explicit memories. it is the outer layer of the brain. Retrieval of a memory comes from many different parts and is put together to form the memory.

Question 4

What is the basal ganglia and hat does it do?

Answer 4

The basal ganglia is responsible for encoding motor component of procedural implicit memories and voluntary motor movement.
Produces dopamine.

Question 5

What is the cerebellum and what does it do?

Answer 5

The cerebellum is responsible for motor coordination and balance.
Encodes and stores motor movements of implicit memories.

Question 6

What is habituation?

Answer 6

In the basal ganglia when desensitisation of a stimulus occurs so the effect wears off and no longer has an effect.