Neurobiology of Learning and Memory

Question 1

Neuroplasticity

Answer 1

a way the brain changes

changes in neural pathways and synapses due to changes in behavior, environment, neural processes, thinking, and emotions

the brain is more plastic in young children and plasticity quickly drops off after childhood.

Question 2

Long term potentiation

Answer 2

responsible for the conversion of short term to long term memory, is the strengthening of neuronal connections resulting from increased neurotransmitter release and adding of receptor sites

Question 3

Synaptic pruning

Answer 3

a way the brain changes

as we grow older, weak neural connections are broken while strong ones are bolstered, increasing the efficiency of our brains’ ability to process information.

Question 4

What is the term for removing weak neural connections?

Answer 4

Pruning

Question 5

What is the term for strengthening memory connections though increased neurotransmitter release and receptor density?

Answer 5

Long - term potentiation