The Neural Basis of Learning & Memory

Question 1

What is neural plasticity?

Answer 1

Neural plasticity is the ability of the brain’s neural structure or function to change in response to stimulation in the environment. Neural connections are formed, removed and remade to accommodate for new experiences, memories and learning on a continual basis.

Question 2

What developmental plasticity?

Answer 2

The changes in the brain of babies throughout their infancy, childhood and adolescence.

Question 3

What adaptive plasticity?

Answer 3

The changes in the adult brain from different experiences and changes in their environment.

Question 4

What synaptic plasticity?

Answer 4

The ability of a synapse to change over time.

This occurs in learning, where new synaptic connections form, synapses are strengthened, and other unused synaptic connections are broken off, in a process called synaptic pruning.

Question 5

What is long-term potentiation (LTP)?

Answer 5

The long-lasting strengthening of synaptic connections over time to make synaptic transmission more effective, improving the communication between two neurons.

Question 6

Give a detailed explanation for long-term potentiation.

Answer 6

The post-synaptic neuron becomes more responsive to a specific neurotransmitter after repetitive stimulation, strengthening the synaptic connection.

The more this is strengthened, the neural pathway becomes stronger and more efficient in transferring information.

Consistent use of that neural pathway decreases the likelihood that the information will be forgotten.

Question 7

“Neurons that fire tougher…”

Answer 7

“…wire together”

Question 8

What is long-term depression (LTD)?

Answer 8

the long-lasting decrease in the strength of synaptic connections over time. It results from a low level of stimulation, or that neural pathway not being used often.

Question 9

Give a detailed explanation for long-term depression.

Answer 9

When a neurotransmitter isn’t released often, the post-synaptic neuron becomes less responsive to it

Weakening the synaptic connection, and therefore weaken or even silence communication in that synapse.

Question 10

What is the process of neural plasticity?

Answer 10

Proliferation, migration, circuit formation, circuit pruning

Question 11

Which neurotransmitters assist memory and learning?

Answer 11

> Glutamate
Serotonin
Acetylcholine
Adrenalin

Question 12

What are the similarities between a neurotransmitter and neurohormone?

Answer 12

Both a chemical substance, released by a neuron and can stimulate or inhibit a response

Question 13

What are the differences between a neurotransmitter and neurohormone?

Answer 13

> A neurotransmitter is released at the synapse and interacts between a pre and post synaptic neuron

> A neurohormone is secreted into the circulatory system

Question 14

How are new synapses formed?

Answer 14

Through synaptogenesis.

In learning, the terminal buttons of the pre-synaptic neuron release glutamate into the synapse. Neurons then form new connections or “sprouts” with one another called “filigree appendages” which grow from the axon terminal of the pre-synaptic neuron towards dendrites of neighbouring post-synaptic neuron.

Question 15

What two receptors does glutamate act on?

Answer 15

> AMPA receptor

> NMDA receptor

Question 16

What happens at the AMPA receptor?

Answer 16

> Glutamate activates the post-synaptic neuron, preparing it so that the NMDA can accept glutamate

Question 17

What happens at the NMDA receptor?

Answer 17

It produces long-lasting modifications to the synapse and stimulates dopamine production. Repetitive release of glutamate stimulates the release of dopamine which prompts growth in the post-synaptic neuron, increasing the number of dendritic spines.

Question 18

What are flashbulb memories?

Answer 18

detailed, vivid and long-lasting memories of important or emotional events in our lives. Adrenalin that is present in the bloodstream during highly emotional events assists in forming flashbulb memories

Question 19

What is the consolidation theory?

Answer 19

In order for a memory to be consolidated, it needs time. It takes about 30 minutes for neurons to make lasting structural and functional changes, and if this is interrupted, it results the failure of it becoming a long-lasting long term memory

Question 20

What is the stages of developmental plasticity?

Answer 20

> Proliferation
> Migration
> Circuit formation
> Circuit pruning
> Myelination

Question 21

What is proliferation in developmental plasticity?

Answer 21

Where neurons grow and divide in the foetus

Question 22

What is migration in developmental plasticity?

Answer 22

Where the cells move to the position they will occupy in the developed nervous system.

Question 23

What is circuit formation in developmental plasticity?

Answer 23

Where axons grow outwards and connect to adjacent neurons – neural impulses travel along these connections.

Question 24

What is circuit pruning in developmental plasticity?

Answer 24

At about ages two or three and again during early adolescence, circuits that have not been used are ‘pruned’

Question 25

What is myelination in developmental plasticity?

Answer 25

From childhood to early adulthood (about age 23), myelin sheathing is growing and insulating the axons.