Memory and Cognition Flashcards
What is the definition of cognition?
Relates to the highest order of brain function and relates to behaviour that deals with through processing
What structural components are there to learning and memory?
Hippocampus - formation of memories
Cortex - storage of memories
Thalamus - searches and accesses memories
What is the primitive “old” cortex?
Hypothalamus - ANS association
Hippocampus - association with memory
Amygdala - emotions
What is the primitive cortex collectively responsible for?
Responsible for instincts such as hunger, thirst, sex drive
What types of memory are there?
Immediate
Short term
Intermediate long term
Long term
How long does immediate memory last?
Visual = 1s Auditory = 4s
How is short term memory formed?
Reverberating circuits
How long does short term memory last?
Seconds-hours
How long does intermediate long term memory last?
Hours to weeks
How is intermediate long term memory formed?
Chemical changes to the circuits formed when the memory is first made (Increasing Ca+ entry)
How is long term memory established?
Consolidation of intermediate long term memories by a number of structural changes to the circuits including:
- Increase NT release sites
- Increase in presynaptic NT vesicles
- Stronger EPSPs
- Increase in the frequency of pre-synaptic terminals
What types of long term memory are there?
Declarative and procedural
What structure in the brain is most associated with declarative memory?
Hippocampus
What structure in the brain is most associated with procedural memory?
Cerebellum
How are memories recalled?
Interactions in the circuit of Papez (interconnections between the hippocampus, thalamus, mamillary bodies and the cingulate gyrus
