Memory Flashcards
What is the definition of learning?
Acquisition of information
What is the definition of memory?
Storage of learned information
What is the definition of recall?
Reaquisition of stored information
What is the definition of engram?
- Physical embodiment of memory
hypothetical permanent change in the brain accounting for the existence of memory; a memory trace
What is procedural memory?
Learnt skills and associations largely UNAVAILABLE to the conscious mind
- Eg. habits, mannorisms, playing the piano
What is declarative memory?
- AVAILABLE to the conscious mind
- Can be encoded in symbols and language
- Can be transmitted to somebody else
- Eg. events that have happened, information
How is memory classified?
On how long a memory lasts:
- Immediate: a few seconds
- Short term: seconds or minutes. Involves ‘working memory which is problem solving.
- Long term : days, months, years
Where is working memory held?
In the pre-frontal cortex
What is the involvement of the hippocampus in memory?
- Converts short-term memory into long-term memory
- Majority is declarative
What is the involvement of the amygdala in memory?
- Processes multiple SENSORY inputs (eg. smell) either directly or indirectly
- Activated by implicit/ emotional/ learnt fear
What is the involvement of the cerebellum in memory?
- Procedural memory
- Sensorimotor skills (both motor and sensory
What does hippocampal lesions cause?
- Cause memory loss and inability to lay down new memories
- But can still recall old memories
What are they layers in the hippocamupus and how is this different to the rest of the cortex?
3 layers:
- Polymorphic
- Pyramidal
- Molecular
Rest of the cortex has 6 layers
What are the 4 sections of the hippocampus?
1) Dentate gyrus
2) Cornu ammonois
- CA1 to CA4
3) Subiculum
4) Parahippocampal gyrus
Where do the inputs into the hipocampus come from?
The entorhinal complex and beyond
