Physiological models of memory Flashcards
Define learning
the accumulation, encoding, storage & retrieval of information in the NS. e.g., skill, behaviour, muscle memory etc
Define declarative memory
This is concious memory that requires effort to recall facts and memories. It is a form of LTM, relying on hippocampus and divided into 2 subtypes
Define the 2 sub-types of declarative memory
Episodic: refers to the recall of experiences & personal events, as well as the context they occured in e.g., first day of school
semantic: is the concious recall of facts or general knowledge, it is not tied to personal experiences
Define non-declarative memory
A form of sub-concious memory, refers to that of the procedural memory, how we know how to do things and complete tasks. It does not require effort
Define short term memory
Also known as immediate memory, refers to the ability to retain information for a short period e.g., seconds , first stage in memory processing, repetition of information makes it more likely to pass onto LTM
Explain why we forget
- Retrieval faliure: refers not being able to access the memory at that time, but perhaps later, occurs due to lack of context cues to aid in triggering the memory
- Pruning: Our brains prune information that seems irrelevant out of the brain to create space for more important information.
- High levels of stress & anxiety can cause problems retrieving information from the brain. e.g., cortisol impairs the hippocampus
- Types of amnesia: they can result in temporary or permanent memory loss
Define the structure & role of the hippocampus in memory
Hippocampus is involved in memory consolidation & navigation. It is able to link memories with emotional contexts, encode memories & cognitive mapping.
It consists of CA areas, dentate gyrus, subiculum, and associated structures like the fornix, which work together to process and store information for later.
Define long-term potentiation
LTP: is a process in which the strength of neural pathways are strengthened over time, this makes it easier for them to communicate. it involves the repeated action of a neuron to another which increases synaptic strength. This means the post-synaptic neuron becomes more responsive to signals from the pre-synaptic neuron
repeated activation of synapses strengthens pathways which aid in memory consolidation & recall
How is LTM encoded in the brain?
Occurs through consolidation which involves the strengthening & stabilising of neural connections.
1. sensory input: info is processed in sensory brain areas & sent to Hippocampus
2. Encoding: Through repeated exposure or rehearsal, the information is encoded into short-term memory. This often involves synaptic plasticity, the strengthening or formation of synapses between neurons,
3. consolidation: Memories are transported from the HC to neocortex for LTM storage, it involves integrating new memories with existing knowledge networks.
Reactivation & retrieval: When you recall a memory, the neural circuits involved in encoding and storing the memory are reactivated, allowing the information to be retrieved and brought into conscious awareness.
Name all areas of the brain involved in memory & learning
Hippocampus, cerebellum, basal ganglia, thalamus, parietal lobe amygdala & prefrontal cortex
Describe gene activation on LTM
gene activation in LTM involves the activation of transcription factors by neuronal activity which triggers specific genes leading to proteins produced that support synaptic changes
1. Neuronal activity: when we learn/experience, neurons become active which signals pathways
2. SP: these become active & activate transcription factors that control gene expression, e.g., CREB in Memory
3. Gene expression: TF bind to sections of DNA & activates gene expression, synapses are strengthened and formed
4. Protein synthesis: Proteins are made to help form new synaptic connections, known as synaptic plasticity
5. Memory Consolidation: Over time, these genetic changes help consolidate memory by strengthening neural circuits, making it more stable and durable in the brain.
Function of the hippocampus on memory & learning
Role: The hippocampus is essential for the formation of new memories and the consolidation of short-term memories into long-term memories. It is involved in spatial memory (remembering locations and navigating space) and episodic memory (remembering events or experiences).
Summary: The hippocampus helps transform short-term memories into long-term ones and plays a major role in learning, especially in tasks that involve forming new associations.
Function of the basal ganglia on memory & learning
Role: The basal ganglia play a role in habit formation and procedural memory. It is particularly involved in the learning of skills and routines that become automatic with repetition, such as driving or typing.
Summary: The basal ganglia contribute to the learning and automatic execution of motor skills and habits.
Function of the pre-frontal cortex on memory & learning
Role: The prefrontal cortex is involved in higher cognitive functions, including decision-making, problem-solving, and working memory (holding and manipulating information over short periods of time). It helps with executive functions that control attention and reasoning during learning.
Summary: It manages working memory and helps organize and apply learned information to new situations.
Function of the Amygdala on memory & learning
Role: The amygdala is important for processing emotions and is closely involved in emotional learning and memory, particularly when it comes to fear-based learning and emotional associations. It modulates memory consolidation based on the emotional significance of the experience.
Summary: The amygdala enhances memory consolidation for emotionally charged experiences, such as fear, by interacting with other memory-related regions like the hippocampus.
Function of the cerebellum on memory & learning
Role: The cerebellum is primarily involved in motor learning and coordination, especially for tasks requiring procedural memory (e.g., riding a bike, playing a musical instrument). It helps automate repetitive physical tasks through learning and repetition.
Summary: The cerebellum stores and refines motor skills and procedural memories, which are learned through practice and repetition.
Function of the thalamus on memory & learning
Role: The thalamus acts as a relay station for sensory information, transmitting data to different parts of the brain. It plays a role in sensory learning by helping the brain process and organize sensory input related to learning.
Summary: The thalamus processes sensory information that is important for learning and memory, routing it to appropriate brain regions.
Function of the parietal lobe on memory & learning
Role: The parietal lobe is involved in spatial awareness, attention, and sensory integration, contributing to the formation of memory related to spatial navigation and sensory experiences.
Summary: It helps integrate sensory inputs, crucial for learning tasks involving spatial memory and attention.
