Module 10: Learning and Memory Flashcards
Learning
Process by which experiences with the environment, senses, or behaviors cause physical changes in the nervous system which then causes changes in behavior
Memory
Changes in the nervous system that occur through learning that can be expressed or acted on
Acquisition Stage of Memory
Stimuli are encountered, info is entering the nervous system
Encoding Stage of Memory
Changes in the nervous system that enables us to hold onto new info for a short period of time
Retrieval Stage of Memory
Info can be recalled from long term memory storage
Sensory Memory
Incoming sensory info enters the sensory buffers, the only info that makes it to the working/short term memory is the stimuli being focused on
Sensory Buffers
Iconic memory, echoic memory, olfactory memory, haptic memory
Iconic Memory
Buffer for visual info, perfect image that lasts less than one second
Echoic Memory
Buffer for auditory info, can retain info for 3-4 seconds even if the person was not actively focusing on the sound
Olfactory Memory
Buffer for info regarding smells, lasts a few seconds
Haptic Memory
Buffer for tactile info, allows a person to feel pressure or a tactile sensation for a few seconds after contact
Encoding Process
Info that passes through sensory buffers, info either goes straight into long term or enters the working memory to then enter the long term memory
Short Term Memory
Memory that holds info that is being actively thought about, once focus is lost so is the info
Long Term Memory
Almost infinite, consolidated memories are stored here, length of memory recollection is based on the strength of bonds between neurons, two main branches: explicit and implicit
Explicit Memory
Long term memory, info that can be explained or talked about, stored in the medial temporal lobe
Episodic Memory
Explicit memory, contains episodes of info, experiences, moments, memories that are comprised of multiple stimuli that formed an event
Semantic Memory
Explicit memory, contains info that are not related to events, names, dates, definitions, facts
Implicit Memory
Long term memory, includes info of things that cant be explained, tasks, functions, muscle memory, balance
Procedural Memory
Implicit memory, how to complete tasks, procedures, contained in the striatum in the basal ganglia
Associative Conditioning
Implicit memory, types of memories are stored in corresponding brain areas, amygdala stores emotional memories and the cerebellum stores memories involving bodily reactions
Priming
Implicit memory, ability to retrieve a memory with a small piece of the information, contained in the sensory cortex
Non-associative
Implicit memory, changes occur in the reflex pathway in the motor cortex and spinal cord, includes habituation and sensitization
Habituation
The brains ability to stop responding to repeated stimuli
Sensitization
The brains ability to have a heightened response to a repeated stimuli
Case of H.M.
Had a bilateral medial temporal lobectomy procedure to alleviate extreme and frequent seizures, H.M. had his rhinal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus removed causing some retrograde amnesia, sever anterograde amnesia, and could no longer form explicit memories
Hippocampus
Critical area for forming explicit memories and general memory consolidation, main area where LTP occurs
Long Term Potentiation
Synapses are made stronger by repeated stimulation, involves rhinal cortex and hippocampus, signal loop from rhinal cortex, dentate gyrus, CA3, CA1, and back to the rhinal cortex
Standard Consolidation Theory
Squire and Alvarez, 1995, hippocampus temporarily holds info, held memories are sent to the cerebral cortex, hippocampus is the staring point for consolidation, amygdala is involved
Multiple Trace Theory
Nadal and Moxovitch, 1997, hippocampus and other structures involved in memory storage, multiple traces of activity in different areas during consolidation, engrams are stable connection between neurons, a network of engrams is formed
Donald Hebb
Theorized LTP, neurons firing in rapid succession strengthens a pathway, for a memory to be formed postsynaptic firing needs to closely follow presynaptic firing
Induction of LTP
Degree of synaptic strengthening depends on the near simultaneous depolarization of the CA3 field and the CA1 field, during firing glutamate is released and then opens channels by binding receptors, causing an influx in Na+ which causes depolarization across the neuron
AMPA Receptors
Accepts glutamate, allows influx of Na+, the more AMPA receptors on a neuron the stronger it is, they are not permanent but can become nearly permanent with enough reactivation
NMDA Receptors
When binded by glutamate channels are opened for Na+ and Ca2+, Ca2+ causes specific changes within the neuron
Nitric Oxide
When a large enough influx of Ca2+ occurs nitric oxide forms in the dendrites, nitric oxide is then released into the synapse and is absorbed by the terminals, the terminals then trigger the release of more glutamate
Memory Storage
Hippocampus - spatial locations, explicit memories
Rhinal Cortex - object recognition, semantic memory
Inferotemporal Cortex - Iconic memories
Prefrontal Cortex - Working memory and temporal relation of memories
