DP 1-2 NEURAL BASIS OF LEARNING & MEMORY

Question 1

Learning

Answer 1

Learning is a relatively permanent change in behaviour that occurs as a result of experience

• can be intentional or unintentional
• can be easy or difficult
• happens in a variety of ways

Question 2

Memory

Answer 2

An active information processing system that encodes, stores and recovers information

• Memory is not a perfect replica of the world, it is personal
• Memories can change over time
• Memories can be lost

Question 3

Plasticity

Answer 3

Is the ability of the brain’s neural structure to be changed through experience in a lifespan. Neurons can reroute and sprout but in order for new connections to be formed the connections must be stimulated

Question 4

Synaptic plasticity

Answer 4

Refers to the ability of the synapse to change over time. It enables a flexible, efficient and effectively functioning nervous system.

Question 5

Synaptogenesis

Answer 5

Is the creation of new neural connection, formation of a synapse between neurons

Question 6

Synaptic pruning

Answer 6

Refers to the process by which extra neurons and synaptic connections are eliminated in order to increase the efficiency of neuronal transmissions.

Question 7

Myelination

Answer 7

Is the process of forming thicker myelin sheath around a nerve to allow nerve impulses to move more quickly. Forms in LTP and deteriorates in LTD

Question 8

Changes to Connections Between Neurons

Answer 8

LTP and LTD are enduring (long-lasting) changes in synaptic strength that are brought about by specific patterns of activity at the synapse.

Question 9

Long Term Potentiation

Answer 9

Long-lasting strengthening of synaptic connections, resulting in a more effective synaptic transmission. Improves the ability of two neurons to communicate with one another at the synapse 
Circuit formation (synaptogenesis)

Question 10

Long Term Depression

Answer 10

Long lasting weakening of synaptic connections, resulting in less effective synaptic transmission. Post synaptic neuron becomes less responsive to the neurotransmitter released by the presynaptic neuron. Lack of stimulation of pre and postsynaptic neurons. Can only happen after LTP
Circuit pruning

Question 11

Neurotransmitters

Answer 11

Are chemical messages that are manufactured by neurons and released from axon terminals into the synaptic gap (glutamate, GABA)

Question 12

Glutamate

Answer 12

Excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain that makes the postsynaptic neurons more likely to fire.

• Has a role in cognition, learning and memory
• Can bind neurons together through synaptic plasticity involved in LTP
• Promotes the growth and strengthening of synaptic connections between neurons within a neural pathway that subsequently represents the memory of what has been learned.

Question 13

Neurohormones

Answer 13

Are chemical messages that are manufactured by neurons and released from axon terminals into blood vessels where they are absorbed into the bloodstream (adrenaline)

Question 14

Adrenalin

Answer 14

Adrenalin (epinephrine) can enhance long term memory

• Small amounts of adrenaline released within 30 secs of learning helps the memory consolidate and is relatively permanent
• Can be linked with an emotional memory (have a very strong memory) or linked to fear (memories that then help us survive by being more careful)
• The more arousing an experience is, the more likely it is to be stored