Learning, Memory & Addiction

Question 1

What are the 3 types of memory?

Answer 1

1. short term
2. long term
3. working

Question 2

How are memories stored?

Answer 2

by altering synaptic activity within the brain

Question 3

LTP

Answer 3

long term potentiation - important in short term memory, strengthens existing synapses

*ionotropic AMPA response and metabotropic NMDA response to glutamate

Question 4

what is the mechanism behind Long Term Memory?

Answer 4

involves the manufacture of new synapses within the brain

Question 5

What is consolidation?

Answer 5

the conversion of short term memories to long term memories

Question 6

retrograde amnesia

Answer 6

short term memories are lost. Typical with trauma to head when one can not recall events around the time of the injury

Question 7

anterograde amnesia

Answer 7

short term memory is ok but can not consolidate or make long term memories

Question 8

dementia

Answer 8

the loss, usually progressive, of cognitive and intellectual functions, without impairment of perception or consciousness; caused by a variety of disorders including severe infections and toxins, but most commonly associated with structural brain disease. Characterized by disorientation, impaired memory, judgment, and intellect and a shallow labile affect.

Question 9

What is the main function of the limbic system?

Answer 9

emotions and basic behaviour patters like laughing, crying, attack, foraging, mating

Question 10

what brain structures are part of the limbic system?

Answer 10

1. amygdala
2. thalamus
3. hypothalamus
4. part of cerebral cortex (cingulate gyrus, hippocampus)

Question 11

what is the primary neurotransmitter involved in addition?

Answer 11

dopamine