Unit 3 Flashcards
(123 cards)
Plasticity
Refers to the flexible nature of the brain and the brain neuroma to change structure and function in response to experiences
2 Types of plasticity
- Development Plasticity:
Refers to changes in neural structure in response to GROWTH and DEVELOPMENT (age) - Adaptive Plasticity
Refers to changes in structure in response to an experience (learning guitar)
Define: Synaptic Plasticity
The ability of the synapse to change over time
Define: sprouting
Refers to the formation of new synapses
Define: synaptogenesis
Refers to the formation of new synapses
Define Hebbs Rule:
“Neurons that fire together, wire together”
Define Long Term Potentiation
Refers tot he strengthening between neural connections creating more efficient pathways between activated neurons. When a neural pathway is repeatedly activated, the pathway become more efficient and becomes more likely to fire faster
Define Long Term Depression (LTD)
The long lasting decrease in the strength of synaptic connections. This occurs as a result of a lack of stimulation of pre & post synaptic transmission. Neural connections weaken and neurons become less responsive to neurotransmission.
Difference between Neurotransmitters & Neurohormones
NTs =
- released at synapse and interacts with post synaptic neurons
- only functions as NT
NHs =
- released by neutron by secreted into circulation around body
- can function as hormone & neurotransmitters
Similarities between Neurotransmitters & Neurohormones
- Both are chemical substances
- both can dampen OR enhance a response
Glutamate & Memory
- glutamate is the main excitatory NT.
- lack of glutamate= LTD
- Glutamate allows memories to form & increases ability to learn & memory
“GLUTAMATE IN ACTION (LTP) “
process
- a synapse is repeatedly stimulated
- more dendritic receptors are created
- More neurotransmitters are released
- Stronger connection is achieves
Amygdala role
located in midbrain and processes strong emotional memories
amygdala causing biological response PROCESS
- danger is perceived
- Amygdala is activated
- activates sympathetic NS
- sympathetic NS releases adrenaline & nor-adrenaline
- initiates fight-flight-freeze response
ADRENALINE FORMS (3)
Stress Hormone: adrenaline released from adrenal glands
NT: adrenaline secreted from pre-synaptic neurons and crosses the synapse
NH: adrenaline released from pre-synaptic neurons and enters the blood stream.
consolidation of emotional memories PROCESS
- adrenaline is released
- adrenaline induces release of nor-adrenaline
- nor-adrenaline act as a NT to activate the amygdala to consolidate strong emotional memories
- amygdala signals hippocampus
- hippocampus consolidates memory into long term memory
adrenaline roles
- activate fight-flight-freeze response
- energises body
- enabling fast physiological reactions
- consolidates emotionally arousing experiences
- supports formation of strong emotional memories
- can enhance long-term memory
Brain structures involved in memory
- amygdala
- hippocampus
- cerebellum
- cerebral cortex
define: Hippocampus
- the curled structure in medial temporal lobe involved in the formation of declarative memories (semantic/episodic).
- vital in spatial learning & awareness (e.g. rat maze, London taxi drivers)
define: Amygdala
- located in medial temporal lobe (midbrain)
- forms strong emotional response
- aids survival by alerting of potential threats (stimuli)
- strengthens learning when associated with strong emotions
- damaged amygdala = no signs of fear & no physiological response
define: Cerebral Cortex
- involved in learning & memory storage
- allows higher cognitive function
define: Cerebellum
- located in occipital lobe
- involved in learning muscular movement
Memory & brain structure involved (4)
Amygdala: involved in encoding and consolidating emotional memories
Cerebral Cortex: stores long-term memories; specifically EXPLICIT memories
Hippocampus: encodes EXPLICIT memories
Cerebellum: encodes and stores IMPLICIT procedural memories
Classical Conditioning Key Terms (e.g NS)
Neutral Stimulus (NS) Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS) Unconditioned Response (UCR) Conditioned Stimulus (CS) Conditioned Response (CR)