Memory and Cognition Flashcards
Define Cognition
The integration of all sensory information to make sense of a situation
Name the three parts of the brain involved in learning and memory
Hippocampus, Cortex and Thalamus
What is the function of the hippocampus?
Formation of memories
What is the function of the cortex?
Storage of memories
What is the function of the thalamus?
Searches and accesses memories
What is the significance of the limbic system in relation to memory?
To give events emotional significance - which is essential for memory
What are the components of the limbic system?
Amygdala, cingulate gyrus, hippocampus and the hypothalamus
What is the function of the limbic system?
To control instinctive behaviour such as thirst, sex, hunger etc. and emotive behavious by seeking reward/puishment
What drives motivation?
Reward or punishment
What occurs in patients with bilateral hippocampal damage?
Immediate and long term memory in tact but are unable to form new memories
Define immediate or sensory memory
Memory which lasts a few seconds
Define short-term memory
Memory which lasts seconds-hours. Used for short term tasks and is associated with reverberating circuits
Define immediate long-term memory
Memory which lasts hours to weeks. Associated with chemical adaptation at the presynaptic terminal
Define long-term memory
Can be lifelong. Associated with structural changes in synaptic connections
Describe the concept behind reverberating circuits?
Each synapse in a reverb. circuit is excitatory and hence a brief excitatory stimulus at A will cause a long lasting neuronal activity in B
Describe anterograde amnesia
Inability to recall events which occur after the injury. Can be short lived or permenant
Describe retrograde amnesia
Cannot remember events leading up to the injury although memories formed long time ago are usually unaffected
if only the thalamus is damaged and the hippocampus is spared, what occurs?
Retrograde amnesia
How is intermediate long term memory produced?
Chemical changes in presynaptic neurons by increasing Ca2+ entry into presynaptic terminals which increases neurotransmitter release
Describe the mechanism behind long term memory
Structural changes at synapses occur via either an increase in NT release sites/ NT vesicles stored and released/ number of presynaptic terminals which occurs at same time as LTP
Describe LTP
An increased amplitude of EPSP occurs in post synaptic cell. Results in well rehearsed pattern of neuronal firing unique to a particular memory
Name the two types of long term memory
Explicit/Declarative memory and Reflexive/Implicit memory
What is declarative memory?
Abstract memory for events and for words, rules and language. Relies on hippocampus
What is reflexive memory?
Acquired through repetition. Includes motor memory for acquired skills. Based in cerebellum and is independent of hippocampus
How is short term memory converted into long term memory?
Consolidation
