Learning & Memory Flashcards
Define working memory.
recalling a fact for use
Define declarative (explicit) memory.
conscious recognition or recollection of learned facts and experiences
What is episodic declarative memory?
memory of events
What is semantic declarative memory?
memory of words, language, and rules
What part of the brain is highly involved in declarative memory?
cortex
Define procedural (implicit) memory.
- “reflexive” memory
- skills/habits that have been used so much that they’re automatic
What part of the brain stores motor components of procedural memory?
cerebellum
What part of the brain stores non-motor components of procedural memory?
nucleus accumbens
What is post-tetanic potentiation?
an increase in cell activity increases the amt of calcium in the pre-synaptic terminal, and thus releases more neurotransmitter
What is long-term potentiation?
- involves changes in both the pre- and post-synaptic responses to neurotransmitter release
- the same neurotransmitter release will create a larger response, using NMDA receptors
Define synaptic plasticity.
- permanent changes in synapse structure
- creation of new synapses via protein synthesis
What protein is responsible for increasing the gene transcription of other proteins used in the creation of new synapses?
cAMP response element binding protein
CREB
Define memory encoding.
- focusing attention on new info
- linking new info to previous memories
-emotion is an important component of this
Define storage.
-retention of information over time
What process facilitates the storage of information?
long-term potentiation
What areas of the brain are mainly responsible for storage?
- hippocampus
- parahippocampal cortex
- prefrontal cortex
Define consolidation.
- process of making a memory permanent
- physical changes in synaptic structure
- getting info into long-term memory
By what process are memories “consolidated”?
-memories are repeatedly sent through Papez Circuit
What are the locations and progression of Papez Circuit?
- hypothalamus and mammillary bodies
- anterior thalamus
- cingulate cortex
- hippocampus
How are long-term memories stored before they’re recalled for use?
- long-term memories are stored in the cortical area related to the modality of the individual components
(ex: visual info in the visual cortex)
Define retrieval.
- recalling or using the memory
- bringing a memory into working memory
-memories can be modified/lost at this point
What is the process and locations of reassembling a memory?
- cortex (modality specific info)
- parahippocampal region
- hippocampus (reconstructs memory)
- parahippocampus (prolongs memory)
- cortex
What is the central executive part of working memory?
-prefrontal cortex decides what memory we need
What is the phonological loop of working memory and what functional brain areas are involved?
- words related to the memory
- Broca’s and Wernicke’s Areas
What is the visuospatial loop of working memory and what brain structure is involved?
- visions and images related to the memory
- occipital cortex
Define spatial memory.
-detailed memory of space
In what part of the brain is spatial memory stored?
hippocampus
What are Place Cells?
- pyramidal cells
- serve as an “anchor” to reconstruct memory
- activated by specific places
- react more strongly when reward is involved
What are Grid Cells?
- create a “grid map” or a space
- grid can be triangular or hexagonal
What are Head Direction Cells?
-cells that tell which way your head is pointing
What are Border Cells?
-cells that get excited when you’re close to a wall
