Learning & Memory

Question 1

Procedural Memory

Answer 1

• aka implicit memory, non-declarative memory, reflexive memory
• skills and habits that have been used so much they are autonomic
• involves cerebellum (motor skills) and nucleus accumbens (non-motor, habits)

Question 2

Declarative Memory

Answer 2

• aka explicit memory
• conscious recognition/recollection of learned facts and experiences
• subdivided into two forms: episodic and semantic

Question 3

Episodic Memory

Answer 3

Memory of events

Question 4

Semantic Memory

Answer 4

Memory of words, language and rules

Question 5

How long does Short-Term Memory last?

Answer 5

seconds to hours

Question 6

How long does Long-Term Memory last?

Answer 6

years

Question 7

Working Memory

Answer 7

• recalling a fact
• looks like short-term memory
• you’ve learned it and now you are retrieving it for use

Question 8

Plasticity

Answer 8

• alterations in the CNS based on use
• can be changes in synaptic functioning (post-tetanic potentiation, long term potentiation) or changes in the structure of the neurons (gain/loss of synapses, changes in dendrites, changes in soma of the neuron)

Question 9

Post-Tetanic Stimulation: Condition

Answer 9

• brief, high-frequency discharge of presynaptic neuron
• produces an increase in NT release that lasts about 60sec
• increases probability of APs in post-synaptic cell

Question 10

Post-Tetamic Stimulation: Mechanism

Answer 10

brief high level of stimulation allowed more calcium to enter to enter the terminal than could be dealt with; leads to greater NT release and a greater probability of AP in the post-synaptic cell

Question 11

Long-Term Potentiation

Answer 11

Changes in both pre- and post-synaptic repsonses to NT release so same NT release creates larger response (NMDA reeptors); lasts for hours

Question 12

CREB

Answer 12

changes in synapse structure (permanent) and creation of new synapses via protein synthesis

Question 13

Creating Declarative (Explicit) Memories: 4 Step Process

Answer 13

(1) Encoding
(2) Storage of the information
(3) Consolidation
(4) Retrieval

Question 14

Explicit Memories: Encoding

Answer 14

• attending new info (focus, attention)
• linking it to previous memories
• emotion is an important component
• may require moving from default mode network to salience mode

Question 15

Explicit Memories: Storage of the Information

Answer 15

• retention of information over time
• initial stage involves formation of short-term memory

Question 16

Short-Term Memory: Anatomical Structures

Answer 16

• Hippocampus
• Parahippocampal Cortex
• Prefrontal Cortex

also interconnections to the neocortex and amygdala via the nucleus basalis of Meynert (cholinergic projection)

Question 17

Target of Alzheimers Disease:

Answer 17

Nucleus Basalis of Meynert

Question 18

Short-Term Memory: Physiological Substrate

Answer 18

LTP (allows us to store information)

Question 19

Declarative Memory: Consolidation

Answer 19

• process of making a memory permanent
• involves physical changes in synaptic structure
• short-term memory –> long term memory

Question 20

Brain structures involved in consolidating memory from short- to long-term memory (consolidation):

Answer 20

• Hippocampus
• Temporal Lobes
• Papez Circuit

Question 21

Where are Long-Term Memories stored?

Answer 21

The area of the cortex related to the modality of the individual components (ex. visual info stored in visual cortex)

Question 22

Physiology of Consolidation

Answer 22

• requires continued activation of Papez Circuit
• LTP –> papez circuit –> formation of new synapses in associated regions of the brain

Question 23

Declarative Memory: Retrieval

Answer 23

• recalling or using the memory
• bringing it into working memory
• can be modified/lost at this point

Question 24

Structures involved in reassembling of Long-Term Memory:

Answer 24

• Neocortex
• Parahippocampal Region
• Hippocampus

Question 25

Steps of Recalling/Retrieving Memories

Answer 25

(1) PFC decides what information you want to recall (2) Signal sent to Parahippocampal region (3) Signal sent to Hippocampus which retrieves what components of the memory the neocortex needs; entire memory reconstructed here (4) Reconstructed memory from Hippocampus then travels back through the Parahippocampal region to the cortex

Question 26

The ___ is important in prolonging the life of the cortical "trace" of the memory

Answer 26

Parahippocampus

Question 27

What are the 3 components of the Working Memory Model?

Answer 27

- Central Executive - Phonological Loop - Visuospatial Loop

Question 28

Working Memory: Central Executive

Answer 28

- Prefrontal Cortex - Most active when "doing things"

Question 29

Working Memory: Phonological Loop

Answer 29

- Broca and Wernicke Area - Provide/interpret the auditory information associated with the memory

Question 30

Working Memory: Visuospatial Loop

Answer 30

- Occipital Cortex associated with vision - Provide/interpret the visual information associated with the memory

Question 31

Place Cells

Answer 31

- Detailed memory of space; neurons that are active only at specific places - Located/stored in Hippocampus using special pyramidal cells in CAI - Creates a spacial map that serves as an "anchor" for the reconstruction of memory

Question 32

Place cells receive inputs from 3 other spatially activated cells:

Answer 32

- Grid Cells - Head Direction Cell - Border Neurons

Question 33

Grid Cells

Answer 33

- Located in Entorhinal Cortex - Create a grid map of a place you are in

Question 34

Head Directional Cell

Answer 34

Tells you what direction your head is facing

Question 35

Border Neurons

Answer 35

Active when near walls or other borders