Lecture 12: Learning & Memory

Question 1

Define neuroplasticity

Answer 1

The brains ability to mould, change, adapt to environment.

Question 2

Define learning

Answer 2

Relatively permanent behaviour change as a result of experience

Question 3

Define memory

Answer 3

Ability to recall or recognize previous experience Memory trace may be in brain synapses.

Question 4

Name two types of learning first discussed by scientists

Answer 4

Operant conditioning

Pavlovian conditioning

Question 5

Name two types of classic conditioning in modern experiments.

Answer 5

One. Eye blink conditioning

Two. Fear conditioning.

Question 6

What are the two categories of memory

Answer 6

Implicit and explicit

Question 7

Define implicit memory

Answer 7

Unconscious, can remember how to do something but not explicitly retrieve information. It’s a conditioned response. It’s procedural

Question 8

Define explicit memory

Answer 8

It is conscious. It is the ability to retrieve and know that memory is correct. Events and information are factual. It is declarative.

Question 9

Define retrograde amnesia

Answer 9

The inability to remember anything behind you

Question 10

Define Antero grade amnesia

Answer 10

The inability to store new memories

Question 11

How are implicit memories and explicit memories different

Answer 11

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.

Question 12

Define priming

Answer 12

Pairing a stimulus to sensitize the later presentation of the same or different stimulus. It brings memory closer to surface for faster recall.

Question 13

How are memories stored

Answer 13

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.

Question 14

In what brain region does episodic amnesia occur

Answer 14

In the frontal lobe

Question 15

Discuss Molaison’s case

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Discuss implicit memory impairment in Parkinson’s

Answer 16

Implicit memories, like riding a bike, governed by motor neurons in basal ganglia that relate to voluntary motor control in routine behaviours.

Question 17

What three areas are involved in the medial temporal cortex are involved in explicit memory

Answer 17

1. Entorhinal cortex
2. Parahippocampal cortex (where is it)
3. Perirhinal cortex (what is it)

Question 18

What are two neuronal changes that take place in Alzheimer’s patients

Answer 18

1. Loss of cholinergic neurons

2. Development of neuritic plaques in cerebral cortex

Question 19

What is the connection between the hippocampus and spatial memory

Answer 19

A larger hippocampus indicates better spatial memory. Eg, birds that hide food and London taxi drivers.

Question 20

What brain structure is required for visual recognition tasks

Answer 20

Perirhinal cortex. Object position requires hippocampus.

Question 21

What structure is involved in short term memory

Answer 21

Frontal lobe

Question 22

Define consolidation and reconsolidation

Answer 22

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.

Question 23

How is neural circuitry different in implicit memory than explicit

Answer 23

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.

Question 24

Discuss neural circuitry for emotional memories

Answer 24

Bilateral communication requiring the amygdala and is automatically stamped into long term memory because of high emotion, and hormones involved.

Question 25

Define long term potentiation

Answer 25

Long lasting increase in synaptic effectiveness after high frequency stimulation

Question 26

Describe the LTP process

Answer 26

1. Glutamate releases and acts on NMDA & AMPA receptors
2. 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:
3. Post synaptic cell depolarizes, and pushes out the Mg+ block
4. So then glutamate can open the NMDA channel and allow in Ca+
   ONCE THE CALCIUM STARTS…
5. It increases AMPA receptors on the post synaptic cell
6. It tells the pre synaptic cell to send more neurotransmitter

Question 27

What are the principles of neuroplasticity

Answer 27

1. Behavioural change reflects change in the brain
2. All nervous systems are plastic in the same way
3. Changes are age specific
4. Prenatal events can influence brain plasticity throughout life
5. Changes are brain region dependent
6. Experience dependent changes interact
7. It has pros and cons