Chapter 12 - MEMORY MODULATION SYSTEMS

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the neurobiology of learning and memory, specifically focusing on memory modulation systems.

Memory Modulation

The process by which certain experiences influence the consolidation of memory traces.

Basolateral Amygdala (BLA)

A brain region critically involved in modulating memory storage processes.

Epinephrine

A hormone that enhances memory storage and is released during arousing experiences.

Vagus Nerve

A nerve that, when influenced by epinephrine, plays a role in memory modulation.

Glucocorticoids

Hormones released from the adrenal cortex that can influence memory storage.

Memory Modulators

Hormonal and neural systems that influence the mechanisms that store memory.

Adrenal Hormones

Hormones released from the adrenal glands that can modulate memory processes.

Lidocaine

A local anesthetic used experimentally to test the effects on memory retention when injected into specific brain regions.

Morris Water-Escape Task

A behavioral task used to test memory in rodents, focusing on spatial learning.

Norepinephrine

A neurotransmitter released as part of the body's response to stress, playing a role in enhancing memory.

Hippocampus

A brain region critical for the storage of various types of memory.

Arc Protein

A protein believed to be involved in memory consolidation and retrieval.

Bioenergetics

The study of the flow of energy in biological systems, particularly in relation to glucose.

Glucose

A primary source of energy for the brain that can influence memory strength.

Propranolol

A medication that blocks adrenergic receptors and can impair memory retention when injected during training.

Injection Timing

The specific timing of drug administration that can affect the efficacy of memory enhancement.

Memory Trace

The hypothetical means by which memories are stored in the brain.

Cerebral Vasculature

The network of blood vessels that supply blood to the brain.

Enhancement of Retention

Improvement in the ability to recall or recognize information following training.

Inhibitory Avoidance Task

A learning task that measures memory retention in response to aversive stimuli.