PSYCHOBIOLOGY: foundations of learning and memory Flashcards
1
Q
define baseline activity
A
synaptic activity without stimulation
- presynaptic neuron spontaneously and randomly generates action potentials
2
Q
define neural signalling
A
change in neuron activity relative to the baseline
- action potentials are more or less frequent than usual
3
Q
define short term molecular changes
A
- increases activity in neural signalling
- more NTs released by presynaptic axon terminal
- more channels in postsynaptic membrane
4
Q
define long term structural changes
A
- sustained increase of activity in neural signalling
- growth of new synapses
- synaptic takeover
5
Q
state 2 behavioural consequences of synaptic plasticity
A
optimising existing behaviour
acquiring new behaviour
6
Q
describe how existing behaviours are optimised with synaptic plasticity
A
- increased transmission rate = react more quickly / reliably
- decreased transmission rate = able to ignore unimportant environmental changes
7
Q
describe how new behaviours are acquired with synaptic plasticity
A
- growth of new synapses = info combined from previously unrelated sources so responds to stimuli in new way
- synaptic takeover = reroute info to new pathways, respond to old stimuli in new way
8
Q
define the concept of learning in the brain
A
forming new connections
9
Q
describe the brain structures involved in learning
A
no specific place
10
Q
korsakoffs syndrome
A
- thiamine deficiency - degeneration of neurons in nuclei of thalamus
- anterograde & retrograde amnesia may occur
