Sac 3 Flashcards
Learning…
A relatively permanent change in behaviour due to experience
Memory…
The process of encoding, storage, + retrieval of info
Neuroplasticity…
The ability of the brain to change itself in response to the environment. (flexible, pliable)
Neural connections are formed, removed, and remade on a continual basis.
Neural plasticity is evident in physical changes that take place in synapse (synaptic, plasticity).
Developmental plasticity…
Development and consolidation of neural pathways.
Infants, children and adolescence due to growth and development
Developmental plasticity stage…
proliferation (division) Migration (movement) Circuit Formation (connections) Circuit pruning (Synaptic pruning: use it or lose it) Myelination (Insulation and speed)
Adaptive Plasticity…
Ability of brain to change and develop as result of new experiences
- Adults
- Can develop and recover from serious injury
- Sprouting (new neural connections)
- Re- routing (finding another connection)
Refer to case study: Jodie
Long term potentiation…
Long lasting or strengthening of synaptic connections resulting in enhanced or more effective synaptic transmission
- Lots of acton potentials flowing from one neuron to another
- Quicker
- more efficient
Long term depression…
Long lasting decrease in the strength of synaptic transmission, resulting from lack of stimulation.
LTP Extended
Strengthens neural pathways
- enhanced/ more efficient synaptic transmission
- improved overall communication between neurons
- Post synaptic neurons become more easily activated/ more responsive
- decreases likelyhood of forgetting
- allows to strengthen important/ wanted/ useful memories
LTD Extended
Weakens or decreases strength of neural pathways
- less efficient synaptic transmission
- Loss or weakening of communication between neurons
- Post synaptic neurons become less responsive/ less easily activated/less sensitive
- Increases likely hood of forgetting
- Allows us to prune or eliminate unwanted / unimportant memories
- Also provides a basis for blocking or eliminating inappropriate or unwanted feelings or behaviours.
Glutamate and plasticity…
Main excitatory neurotransmitter for memory and learning
- Promotes growth and strengthening of synaptic connections between neurons
- Vital role in LTP and LTD, The more glutamate can excite the post synaptic neuron and the more it contributes to LTP (and vice versa for LTD)
Roel of Adrenalin in learning…
Adrenalin_ Can enhance the encoding process of long term memories of emotionally arousing experiences- both pleasant and unpleasant. This has adaptive value for survival - E.g. Dog bite avoided in future
Adrenalin affects memory consolidation by activating the amygdala. Overall, adrenalin tends to enhance our memory retention.
Flash bulb memories - Detailed vvid and long lasting memories of important or emotional events in our lives
Neurotransmitters
- Released into synaptic gap
- Released quickly
Neurohormones
- REleased into circulation
- slower release
Things neurotransmitters and neurohormones have in common
- Chemical messages
- Can enhance or inhibit a response