Section 5 Flashcards
How are neural changes that occur during learning stored?
When you learn something, your brain undergoes neural changes, and these changes are recorded as what we call “memory traces.” These memory traces can be quite general, like broad concepts, or they can be very specific, such as remembering a piece of text word for word.
However, it’s essential to note that these memory traces aren’t stored in a single neuron (a brain cell). Instead, they are patterns of signals that travel across connections between neurons, known as synapses, within a vast network of brain cells. Think of it as information being spread out across a complex web of connections rather than being kept in one place.
Describe the stages of the acquisition of memory.
Newly acquired information is initially stored in short term memory, which has a limited capacity. Short
term memory has two fates: 1) it is forgotten; or 2) it is transferred to long term memory through
practice or rehearsal. The more often new knowledge is recycled in short term memory, the more likely
it is to be transferred to long term memory, which has a large storage capacity
What is working memory?
Working memory is the part of memory that temporarily holds new knowledge and can transiently pull in related, previously stored knowledge in order for the new knowledge to be evaluated. The working memory theory allows short term and long term memory to work together
How long does short term memory last? How about long term?
Short term lasts from 30 seconds to several days.
The short term memory trace becomes a long term memory trace that can be retained for days to years.
What is the one memory centre where knowledge is stored?
There is no ONE memory centre. Neurons involved in memory traces are widely distributed throughout the hippocampus, the limbic system, the cerebellum, the prefrontal cortex, and other regions of the cerebral cortex.
What is the hippocampus involved in?
- Short term memory
- Also important for consolidation and the initial storage of long term memories
- Seems to play an important role in the declarative memories (the “what” memories of specific people, places, facts, etc)
What is the cerebellum involved in? (memory)
- procedural memories (the “how to” memories involving motor skills gained through repetitive training)
these memories can be recalled without conscious effort
What is the prefrontal cortex involved in?
- complex reasoning skills associated with working memory
- integration of information for planning, juggling priorities, problem solving, and organizing activities
What is habituation?
Habituation is when an organism becomes less responsive to a repetitive and neutral stimulus that neither rewards nor punishes it.
For example, in the case of Aplysia (a sea slug), they reflexively withdraw their gill when their breathing organ (the syphon) is touched. However, if the syphon is touched repeatedly, the Aplysia eventually stops reacting as strongly or may not react at all. This is because through habituation, the Aplysia learns that the stimulus is not harmful, so it begins to ignore it.
What is sensitization?
Sensitization is when an organism becomes more responsive to mild stimuli after experiencing a strong or painful stimulus.
For instance, if the Aplysia’s syphon is touched forcefully, the next gentle touch will make it react strongly by withdrawing its gill. This happens because the Aplysia has become sensitized due to the previous strong stimulus.
Interestingly, in this particular case of the sea slug, the neurons involved in both habituation and sensitization are the same, yet their responses are different. Habituation ________ the synaptic activity while sensitization
__________ it
Interestingly, in this particular case, the neurons involved in both habituation and sensitization are the
same, yet their responses are different. Habituation depresses the synaptic activity while sensitization
enhances it.
Distinguishing Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems (CNS and PNS):
The Central Nervous System (CNS) includes the brain and spinal cord. It’s like the command center of your body, where all the important decision-making and processing happen.
The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) consists of nerves that extend from the CNS to the rest of the body. It’s like the communication network, transmitting signals between the CNS and the body’s various parts.
Afferent Neurons carry sensory information from the body’s periphery to the CNS. They report what’s happening in the external and internal environment.
Efferent Neurons transmit commands from the CNS to the muscles and organs, allowing you to move and respond to stimuli.
Interneurons are like messengers within the CNS. They help process and relay information between afferent and efferent neurons, making sense of sensory input and coordinating responses.
Components of the CNS Involved in Motor Control:
Motor control primarily involves the Cerebral Cortex, specifically the Primary Motor Cortex, which plans and executes voluntary muscle movements.
The Basal Ganglia helps regulate movement and contributes to coordination.
The Cerebellum fine-tunes motor activities and maintains balance and posture.
The Spinal Cord plays a crucial role in reflexive movements and transmitting motor commands.
