Memory Flashcards
What are thoughts?
The result of a pattern of activity in neurons
What is short-term memory?
Reverberating neural activity in closed-loop circuits
What does “cells that fire together, wire together” mean?
When presynaptic and postsynaptic cells fire together, the connection between them is strengthened
What is long-term potentiation (LTP)?
The idea that high frequency stimulation strengthens synapses
2 features of LTP
- It is specific (only works for cells that are activated)
2. It is associative
What happens if you block LTP?
You block the ability to learn
What happens if you add more LTP with high frequency stimulation?
You mask existing memories
How do you prevent LTP and therefore inhibit memory formation?
By blocking NMDA receptors
What does ZIP (Zeta-Inhibitory Peptide) do?
Wipes memories 3-7 days old by reversing maintenance of late-phase LTP
What are the two different types of long-term memory?
Declarative memory: explicit - facts and events
Nondeclarative memory: implicit
What does equipotentiality mean?
If certain parts of the brain are damaged, other parts will take on the damaged function
Can you create false memories?
Yes, through optogenetics (inserting algae DNA into neuron and flashing blue light)
