role of brain in long term memory

implicit memory

• amygdala

• cerebellum

• basal ganglia

explicit memory

• amygdala

• hippocampus

• neocortex

hippocampus

• encodes ( converted for storage ), consolidates ( retained in memory), and retrieves explicit memories

• takes 30+ mins to form memory

• in medial temporal lobe

• processes info and transfers info to neocortex for storage

damage to hippocampus

unable to form new long term memory

no retrieval of explicit memories

amygdala

• involved in encoding and consolidating emotions ( fear and aggression)

• formation of classically conditioned fears ( implicit)

• memory of emotion on faces

• next to and interconnected with hippocampus

damage to amygdala

unable to judge emotions and learn a fear response

adrenaline and noradrenaline in amygdala

enhance memory consolidation and emotional responses.

these hormones stimulate the amygdala to attach more emotional significance and signal hippocampus to encode in ltm

neocortex

• top layer of cerebral cortex and involved in high order mental processes such as language, attention and memory

• stores explicit memories for a long time

damage to neocortex

• difficulty storing new memories

• difficulty retrieving existing consolidated ltm

basal ganglia

• involved in formation and consolidation of procedural implicit memories

• planning and controlling motor movements in a fluid manner

• habit formation

damage to basal ganglia

impaired voluntary movements

cerebellum

• encodes implicit procedural memories, ensuring coordinated and controlled movements of motor movements

• plays a role in classically conditioned responses

damage to cerebellum

• difficulty coordinating and timing voluntary movements as well as impairments in balance and posture.

• inability to retrieve and encode implicit procedural memories and classically conditioned simple reflexes

similarities between cerebellum and basal ganglia

• both involved in implicit memory

• encode and store implicit procedural memories

differences

• cerebellum- coordination of movements, control and balance

• basal ganglia- fluidity of movements and sequences of movements , involved in habits