All Flashcards
Define Hippocampus.
Brain structure in the temporal lobe; key for forming new explicit memories.
Define Frontal Lobes in the context of memory.
Brain region; headquarters for working memory, processing auditory and visual information.
Define Thalamus in the context of memory.
Brain structure; sensory relay station that encodes sensory memories into short-term memory.
Define Cerebellum in the context of memory.
Brain region; stores implicit memories, especially those from classical conditioning.
Define Basal Ganglia in the context of memory.
Brain structure; handles procedural memories (the 'how-to' stuff).
Define Amygdala in the context of memory.
Brain structure; adds emotional weight to memories, enhancing memory consolidation for emotionally significant events.
Define Explicit Memory.
Memory of facts and experiences that one can consciously know and 'declare'.
Define Implicit Memory.
Retention independent of conscious recollection; includes procedural memory and classically conditioned associations.
Define Procedural Memory.
A type of implicit memory that involves motor skills and behavioral habits.
Define Working Memory.
A short-term memory system that actively processes information.
Define Long-Term Potentiation (LTP).
Strengthening of synapses based on recent activity, leading to long-lasting communication between neurons.
Define Neurotransmitters.
Chemical messengers that transmit messages between neurons.
Give an example of procedural memory in everyday life.
Riding a bike or tying your shoes.
How does classical conditioning relate to the cerebellum?
The cerebellum stores implicit memories formed through classical conditioning, like conditioned reflexes.
How does practicing coding daily relate to LTP?
Practicing coding strengthens the neural pathways, making you remember it better due to LTP.
How can understanding the amygdala's role help in studying?
Connecting information to emotions can make it more memorable due to the amygdala enhancing memory consolidation.
How is working memory used when solving a math problem?
Working memory actively processes the numbers and operations, holding intermediate steps in mind.
How does damage to the left hippocampus manifest in daily life?
Difficulty remembering verbal information, such as names or facts.
How does damage to the right hippocampus manifest in daily life?
Difficulty recalling visual information, such as faces or routes.
Why is it easier to remember a stressful event?
Stressful events trigger the amygdala, which signals other brain parts to enhance memory processing.
How does the thalamus assist in forming a memory of a song?
The thalamus relays auditory information to the appropriate areas for processing into short-term memory.
How does playing a musical instrument relate to procedural memory?
Playing an instrument involves procedural memory, as it relies on learned motor skills and habits stored in the basal ganglia.
What is the effect of damage to the hippocampus on memory?
Inability to form new explicit memories.
What is the effect of damage to the cerebellum on memory?
Inability to learn from classical conditioning and form conditioned reflexes.
What is the effect of a strong emotional experience on memory?
Enhanced memory consolidation due to the activation of the amygdala.
What is the effect of blocking LTP on learning?
Interferes with and slows down learning and can result in a loss of memory.
What is the effect of repeated use of a neural pathway?
Strengthening of the pathway through Long-Term Potentiation (LTP).
What is the effect of deep sleep (NREM-3) on memory?
Consolidation of the day's experiences into long-term memory.
What is the effect of releasing stress hormones on memory?
Signals to the brain that something important is happening, making the memory stickier.
What is the effect of blocking glutamate receptors on LTP?
Impairment of LTP, hindering learning and memory formation.
What is the effect of a damaged thalamus on memory encoding?
Impaired encoding of sensory information into short-term memory.
What is the effect of basal ganglia damage on daily activities?
Difficulty performing procedural tasks, such as tying shoes or riding a bike.