Lecture 12: Learning & Memory Flashcards
Define neuroplasticity
The brains ability to mould, change, adapt to environment.
Define learning
Relatively permanent behaviour change as a result of experience
Define memory
Ability to recall or recognize previous experience Memory trace may be in brain synapses.
Name two types of learning first discussed by scientists
Operant conditioning
Pavlovian conditioning
Name two types of classic conditioning in modern experiments.
One. Eye blink conditioning
Two. Fear conditioning.
What are the two categories of memory
Implicit and explicit
Define implicit memory
Unconscious, can remember how to do something but not explicitly retrieve information. It’s a conditioned response. It’s procedural
Define explicit memory
It is conscious. It is the ability to retrieve and know that memory is correct. Events and information are factual. It is declarative.
Define retrograde amnesia
The inability to remember anything behind you
Define Antero grade amnesia
The inability to store new memories
How are implicit memories and explicit memories different
They are housed in different neural structures. Implicit memory is encoded much like it is perceived. It is bottom up processing. Explicit memory is encoded by top down processing.
Define priming
Pairing a stimulus to sensitize the later presentation of the same or different stimulus. It brings memory closer to surface for faster recall.
How are memories stored
They are processed in the different parts of the brain based on the region is needed for processing. Therefore if a visual image is being remembered then the memory will be stored in the visual area.
In what brain region does episodic amnesia occur
In the frontal lobe
Discuss Molaison’s case
Severe epilepsy, therefore was given psychosurgery for removal of bi lateral medial temporal lobe resulting in removed hippocampus. Unable to recall anything after childhood. But still had implicit memories
Discuss implicit memory impairment in Parkinson’s
Implicit memories, like riding a bike, governed by motor neurons in basal ganglia that relate to voluntary motor control in routine behaviours.
What three areas are involved in the medial temporal cortex are involved in explicit memory
- Entorhinal cortex
- Parahippocampal cortex (where is it)
- Perirhinal cortex (what is it)
What are two neuronal changes that take place in Alzheimer’s patients
- Loss of cholinergic neurons
2. Development of neuritic plaques in cerebral cortex
What is the connection between the hippocampus and spatial memory
A larger hippocampus indicates better spatial memory. Eg, birds that hide food and London taxi drivers.
What brain structure is required for visual recognition tasks
Perirhinal cortex. Object position requires hippocampus.
What structure is involved in short term memory
Frontal lobe
Define consolidation and reconsolidation
Consolidation stabilizes a memory after learning. Process is done in the hippocampus then diffuse to regions in neocortex. As time progresses, hippocampus is used less. Reconsolidation is restabilizing memory after revisitation.
How is neural circuitry different in implicit memory than explicit
Implicit memory has one way flow of information because its unconscious, while explicit memory has feedback and is therefore many more inputs. Implicit requires basal ganglia and dopamine.
Discuss neural circuitry for emotional memories
Bilateral communication requiring the amygdala and is automatically stamped into long term memory because of high emotion, and hormones involved.
Define long term potentiation
Long lasting increase in synaptic effectiveness after high frequency stimulation
Describe the LTP process
- Glutamate releases and acts on NMDA & AMPA receptors
- At the NMDA receptor, has to wait because there is a Mg+ block, but at the AMPA receptor it allows influx of Na+
THEN, SIMULTANEOUSLY: - Post synaptic cell depolarizes, and pushes out the Mg+ block
- So then glutamate can open the NMDA channel and allow in Ca+
ONCE THE CALCIUM STARTS… - It increases AMPA receptors on the post synaptic cell
- It tells the pre synaptic cell to send more neurotransmitter
What are the principles of neuroplasticity
- Behavioural change reflects change in the brain
- All nervous systems are plastic in the same way
- Changes are age specific
- Prenatal events can influence brain plasticity throughout life
- Changes are brain region dependent
- Experience dependent changes interact
- It has pros and cons
