Chapter 7 - Mechanism of Memory Formation

Question 1

Define Dendrites

Answer 1

The thin extensions of a neuron that receive information from other neurons and transmit it to the soma.

Question 2

Define Soma

Answer 2

Integrates the neural information received from dendrites and sends it to the axon.

Question 3

Define Axon

Answer 3

A single, tube-like extension that carries neural information away from the soma towards other neurons (or cells in muscles or glands).

Question 4

Define Terminal Button

Answer 4

A small structure like a sac that stores and secretes neurotransmitter manufactured by the neuron.

Question 5

Define Action Potential

Answer 5

Information that travels along the axon as an electrical impulse.

Question 6

Define Myelin Sheath

Answer 6

A fatty white substance that coats and insulates the axon, allow the axon to communicate their messages much faster.

Question 7

Define Synaptic Gap

Answer 7

The tiny space between the terminal buttons of one neuron (which release neurotransmitter) and the dendrites of another (which receive the neurotransmitter).

Question 8

Define Synapse

Answer 8

The site where communication occurs between adjacent neurons.

Question 9

Define Neurotransmitter

Answer 9

A chemical substance produced by a neuron that carries a message to other neurons or cells in muscles and organs.

Question 10

Define Glutamate

Answer 10

The main excitatory neurotransmitter for information transmission throughout the brain.

Question 11

Define Dopamine

Answer 11

Has a number of roles including attention, initiation of voluntary movement, the experience of pleasure and reward-based learning.

Question 12

Define Acetycholine

Answer 12

Is also involved in learning, attention, sleeping, dreaming and motor control, is found to be at an abnormally low level in the brains of people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, a type of dementia that is characterised by the gradual deterioration of memory, resulting in very serious memory deficits.

Question 13

Define Norepinephrine

Answer 13

Has a role in encoding and retention of memories for emotionally significant experiences.

Question 14

Define Long-Term Potentiation

Answer 14

Refers to the long-lasting strengthening of synaptic connections of neurons, resulting in the enhanced or more effective functioning of the neurons whenever they are activated.

Question 15

Define Hippocampus

Answer 15

A medial temporal lobe structures that is crucial for long-term memory formation (but not all LTM types).

Question 16

Define Amygdala

Answer 16

A small structure (about 1.5 centimetres long) located next to and interconnected with the hippocampus in the medial temporal lobe. Responsible for encoding and storing memories that have a significant emotional component.

Question 17

Define Consolidation Theory

Answer 17

Proposes that structural changes occur in brain neurons when something new is being learned, and immediately after learning. Takes place in the Hippocampus.

Question 18

How long does it take for a memory to be consolidated?

Answer 18

The memory will remain vulnerable for at least 30 minutes after being experienced/

Question 19

Define Brain Trauma

Answer 19

An ‘umbrella’ term that refers to any brain damage that impairs, or interferes with, the normal functioning of the brain, either temporarily or permanently.

Question 20

Define Neurodegenerative Disease

Answer 20

A disorder characterised by the progressive decline in the structure, activity and function of brain tissue.

Question 21

Define Amnesia

Answer 21

Loss of memory, either partial or complete, temporary or permanent.

Question 22

Define Anterograde Amnesia

Answer 22

Brain trauma causes loss of memory only for information or events experienced after the trauma occurs.

Question 23

Define Korsakoff’s Syndrome

Answer 23

A neurodegenerative disease involving severe memory disorders associated with brain damage, particularly, deep within the middle of the brain where the thalamus is located.

Question 24

Define Retrograde Amnesia

Answer 24

Brain trauma affects memory for information or events experienced before the trauma occurs.

Question 25

Define Dementia

Answer 25

A umbrella term used to describe a variety of symptoms of a large group of neurodegenerative diseases and other disorders that cause a progressive decline in mental functioning, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday tasks.

Question 26

Define Alzheimer’s Disease

Answer 26

A type of Dementia characterised by the gradual widespread degeneration of brain neurons, causing memory loss, a decline in cognitive and social skills, and personality changes.

Question 27

What memory loss may occur in the later stages of Alzheimer’s?

Answer 27

• Events
• Words or names
• Directions
• Stories
• Stored knowledge
• Everyday skills

Question 28

What brain damage is Alzheimer’s Disease usually associated with?

Answer 28

Damage to the hippocampus.

Question 29

Define Neuron

Answer 29

A nerve cell that is specialised to receive, process and/or transmit information to other cells within the body.

Question 30

What change of function does Long-Term Potentiation cause?

Answer 30

Increased volume of neurotransmitter.

Question 31

What change in structure doe Long-Term Potentiation cause?

Answer 31

Increased number of branches (dendritic spines) at the dendrite and/or axon terminal ends.

Question 32

What kind of memories is the Hippocampus not involved with encoding for?

Answer 32

Implicit/procedural memories.

Question 33

A person has experienced an event that has caused a fear response, the next day they find themselves in a similar situation, what will be their response be if they:

• Have no Amygdala of Hippocampus damage?
• Have Amygdala damage?
• Have Hippocampus damage?

Answer 33

• Produce a fear response to the situation as they remember the event from the day before, fight/flight response.
• Remember event but have no reaction.
• Does not remember situation and may not react at all.

Question 34

Define Reconsolidation

Answer 34

The process of returning information back to LTM after it has been retrieved and used.

Question 35

Define Plaques

Answer 35

Dense deposits of Amyloid protein and other cellular material that gather around and between neurons.

Question 36

Define Tangles

Answer 36

Twisted masses of fibres that build up around the neurons and can also penetrate neurons.

Question 37

What is Amyloid?

Answer 37

A protein that is not usually found in the brain but and is highly toxic, causes cell deaths. Found in the brains of Dementia patients.

Question 38

What does memory decline due to old age usually effect?

Answer 38

Mainly STM and explicit declarative memories tend to be effected, rather than procedural memories. Able to complete simple tasks but not complex ones.
Recall does down
Recognition stays the same
Episodic memories decline
Procedural memories and semantic memories stay the same