Physiological theories of learning and memory Flashcards
What is the definition of memory?
Acquisition, encoding, storage and retrieval of info in the nervous system.
What is declarative memory?
This is consciously accessible (exams, remembering facts, figures and definitions).
What is non- declarative (procedural) memory?
Generally unconsciously available (automatic)- muscle memory, driving and tying a shoe lace.
How long does short term memory last?
Fractions of seconds.
How long does working memory last?
Seconds to minutes (eg using a screwdriver or a knife and remember what youre using it for)
How long does long term memory last?
Days to years and links to exam memory.
How does information get from working memory to long term memory?
Through consolidation.
How does forgetting happen?
There is a limited capacity in the CNS.
How can we limit forgetting?
Training or revising (improves retention).
What are the two types of amnesia?
Anterograde and retrograde.
What is anterograde amnesia?
Can remember things from years ago but losing ability to form new memories.
What is retrograde amnesia?
This is losing the store of old memories but can form new ones.
What is the site of shorter term memory formation?
The hippocampus.
What are some causes of anterograde amnesia?
Vascular occlusion, midline tumours, trauma and surgery (all have hippocampus as site of damage).
What is vascular occlusion?
Blood vessel blockage.
What is the site of longer term memory storage?
Elsewhere (wide distribution in the cortex).
How has the hippocampus been linked to short term memory formation?
Use dependent change in neuronal excitability seen to underpin formation of short term memories.
What is long term potentiation?
Key concept of the physiological manifestation of how memories are encoded.
What is the key NT in the hippocampus?
Glutamate.
What happens if neuron given maximal stimulus?
Release a higher amount of glutamate at the synapse. When given small stimulus again, saw change in behaviour where it became more sensitive and the response was larger.
Summary of what happens to neuron when given maximal stimulus/ input of info.
If we provide the neuron with a massive input of information- starts to become more sensitive to inputs.
LTP cellular process: what happens at presynaptic cell?
This is activated by the incoming signal and releases glutamate at the synapse.
Which receptor does glutamate bind to?
AMPA receptor- opens and allows Na+ to enter cell and depolarise.
What is the NMDA receptor?
This is usually inactive but a massive stimulus changes this when much more glutamate is released.
What is the NMDA receptor usually blocked by?
Mg2+ (heavy activation removes this).
What enters the neuron from NMDA receptor?
Ca2+- leads to activation of kinase and changes excitability of the neuron.
What is CREB?
Changes the transcription of genes.
What are changes in the production of proteins associated with?
Synaptogenesis, synaptic stabilisation, synaptic strength, neurogenesis.
What is synaptogensis?
Formation of new synapses.
What is neurogenesis?
Produce more neurons (cells).
What happens if there is damage to the cortex?
Interferes with long term memory recall.
What are the neural pathways from associative cortex to hippocampus?
Encoding short term memory.
What are the neural pathways from hippocampus back the associative cortex?
Longer term storage (passed back for storage).
