Memory & Cognition

Question 1

Define Cognition

Answer 1

The integration of all sensory information which makes sense of the situation we are experiencing

Question 2

What is neuronal plasticity ?

Answer 2

The ability of our central neurons to adapt their connections in response to “learning experiences”

Question 3

What are the 3 components to learning and memory within the brain ?

Answer 3

Hippocampus
Cortex (Storage of memories)
Thalamus (access and searching of memories)

Question 4

Where are memories formed ?

Answer 4

The limbic system

Question 5

What are the 4 distinct areas of the limbic system ?

Answer 5

Hypothalamus
Hippocampus
Cingulate gyrus
Amygdala

Question 6

What else besides memory does the limbic system involve ?

Answer 6

Instinctive behaviors - thirst, sex, hunger etc.

Emotive behavior - seeking reward or avoiding punishment

Question 7

All sensory information goes through_____which means this area is essential for the formation of memories

Answer 7

the hippocampus

Question 8

What is immediate/sensory memory ?

Answer 8

The type of memory that lasts only a few seconds to hours, often known as working memory.
Short term tasks such as dialing a phone number.

Associated with reverberating circuits

Question 9

Define short-term memory

Answer 9

Only a few seconds long, based on sensory modalities such as sight and sound.

Question 10

How do short term memories become long-term memories ?

Answer 10

If the memory is deemed significant the significant reverberation will result in consolidation of the memory

Question 11

Define consolidation and describe how it works

Answer 11

The selective strengthening of synaptic connections through repetition.

Requires attention.

When it is considered useful the reverberating circuits will continue between the papez gates and the frontal cortex until the consolidation process is complete.

Question 12

Define retrograde amnesia

Answer 12

The inability to access most recent old memories within the brain.

However, the individual may be able to access events that happened a long time ago.

Question 13

Define antegrade amnesia

Answer 13

The inability to form new memories

Question 14

Define immediate long-term memory

Answer 14

Variable, can be from hours to weeks, associated with chemical adaptation at the presynaptic terminal.

Question 15

Define long-term memory

Answer 15

Life-long and is associated with structural changes within the synaptic connections

Question 16

What are the structural changes which occur in long-term memory ?

Answer 16

1. Increase in neurotransmitter release sites on the presynaptic membrane
2. Increase in number of neurotransmitter vesicles which are stored and released.
3. Increase in number of pre-synaptic terminals

Question 17

What are the 2 main types of long-term memory ?

Answer 17

1. Declarative/explicit - Abstract memory for events, rules and language - relies heavily on the hippocampus.
2. Procedural/Reflexive/Implicit - Acquired slowly through repetition and includes motor memory for acquired motor skills - independent of hippocampus.

Question 18

Which part of the sleep cycle is most important for memory ?

Answer 18

REM Sleep