KKDP : 1 Neural Basis of Learning Flashcards

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1
Q

What are the 3 behaviours not dependent on learning?

A

Reflex actions, Fixed action patterns and maturation

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2
Q

Reflex Actions

A

A simple automatic, involuntary behaviour in response to an environmental stimulus

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3
Q

Do reflex actions require conscious thought?

A

Does not require conscious thought

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4
Q

What do reflexes allow

A

Reflexes allow organisms to deal with specific stimuli that are important for their protection or survival

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5
Q

What are fixed action patterns

A

An inborn series of movements or behaviours that occur in almost all members of a species in response to the same specific environmental stimuli

The behaviour is inherited by all members of the species, or one sex of the species and is complex

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6
Q

What is Maturation

A

It involves an orderly sequence of bodily changes, that occur due to development of nervous system structures

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7
Q

Reflex actions vs Fixed action patterns

A

Similarity
1. Both are innate and play a role in survival

Difference

  1. FAP’s are more complex and play a role in social behaviour
  2. Reflex actions do occur in humans, but FAPS do not (lower order species
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8
Q

How does learning effect neural pathways

A

Learning generally involves the formation of new neural pathways of a strengthening of existing connections between neutrons

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9
Q

What happens when we learn a new skill/information?

A

Neutrons form new connections with each other called synaptogenisis

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10
Q

Synaptogenesis

A

New sprouts, called filigree appendages begin to grow from the axon terminal towards the dendrites of neighbouring, post synaptic neurons

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11
Q

The more a pathway is activated during learning…

A

The more it is strengthened and it is less likely the learning will be forgotten

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12
Q

What are the neurotransmitters involved in learning?

A

Glutamate

Dopamine

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13
Q

Glutamate

A

Linked to learning and the process of encoding,

It is released by the presynaptic neuron and is excitatory which produces long lasting changes to the synapse

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14
Q

Dopamine

A

Closely associated with reward. Seeking behaviours such as addiction, dopamine is released as a motivational substance as a consequence of reward anticipation

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15
Q

How glutamate and dopamine act together

A

After repeated glutamate release, dopamine is usually stimulated which activates the genes in the neurons to make permanent changes to the pathway

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16
Q

What is learning?

A

It is a relatively permanent change in behaviour or knowledge that occurs as a result of experience

It can be active, passive, immediate or delayed

17
Q

Plasticity

A

It is the ability of the brain’s neural structure to be changed by experience throughout the lifespan

18
Q

Developmental plasticity

A

Changes in the brain’s neural structure in response to experience during its growth & development

19
Q

adaptive plasticity

A

Changes in the brains neural structure that enables adjustment to experience, and/or to compensate for a loss of function in the event of brain damage.

20
Q

What are the 5 steps involved in developmental plasticity

A
Proliferation 
Migration 
Circuit formation 
Circuit pruning
Myelination
21
Q

Proliferation

A

the process where the unborn baby’s cells that will become neurons divide and multiply

22
Q

Migration

A

neurons move outwards to their destined location

23
Q

Circuit Formation

A

the axons of new neurons grow out the target cells and form synapses with them.

24
Q

Circuit Pruning

A

elimination of excess neurons and synapse that are not being used and have not established a connection with target cells.

25
Q

Myelination

A

axon of the neurons in the child’s brain becomes covered in myelin.

26
Q

What is involved in adaptive plasticity

A

Generally, adaptive plasticity enables the brain to compensate for damage by reorganising its structure.

27
Q

what are the 2 processes of recovery found in adaptive plasticity

A

rerouting and sprouting.

28
Q

rerouting

A

Rerouting involves an undamaged neuron that has lost a connection with an active neuron, seeking a new active neuron to connect with instead.

29
Q

Sprouting

A

Sprouting involves the growth of new, bushier nerve fibres with more branches to make new connections.

30
Q

What are sensitive periods (experience expectant learning)

A

1) The brain ‘expects’ and is primed for being exposed to environmental experiences resulting in a rewiring of the brain
2) the growing brain requires specific types of stimulation so that neural pathways are established
3) brain is dependent on the individual being exposed to certain experiences for these changes to occur

31
Q

experience dependent learning

A

1) additional skills that are developed as a result of experience throughout our lifespan.
2) brain does not necessarily expect to be exposed to these experiences and therefore there is no optimal time for this time for this form of learning.

32
Q

critical periods

A

Are very narrow stages of development during which organisms are pre-programmed to learn