Chapter 1–5: Introduction to Memory and the HM Case

Question-and-answer flashcards covering key concepts from the notes on HM, memory systems, hippocampus, and brain plasticity.

Who was Henry Molaison (H. M.) and why is his case central to memory research?

Henry Molaison, a patient who had his hippocampus removed to treat seizures; his subsequent memory deficits revealed crucial distinctions between memory systems and the hippocampus’s role in memory consolidation.

What procedure did Dr. Scoville perform on H. M., and which brain region did it target?

The surgical removal of the hippocampus (a part of the limbic system) to reduce seizures, which led to profound memory impairment.

What major memory distinction did Brenda Milner uncover while studying H. M. regarding memory types?

The distinction between short-term/working memory and long-term memory, with different brain regions and consolidation processes.

Describe the sequence of memory formation from sensory input to permanent storage.

Immediate sensory data is transcribed in the cortex, travels to the hippocampus where synaptic connections are strengthened, and if strong or recalled in the first days, the memory is transferred back to the cortex for permanent storage.

What did Milner observe about HM’s ability to improve on a task despite not remembering previous attempts?

HM improved with practice on the mirror-drawing task even though he had no memory of performing it before, showing intact procedural memory despite impaired declarative memory.

What is the difference between declarative memory and procedural memory as revealed by HM’s case?

Declarative memory (facts, dates, names) depends on hippocampal-related systems, while procedural memory (skills) relies more on the basal ganglia and cerebellum and can operate without the hippocampus.

Which brain structures are primarily involved in procedural memory?

Basal ganglia and cerebellum.

What does the distinction ‘knowing that’ vs ‘knowing how’ imply in memory research?

Knowing that refers to declarative memory (facts and events), while knowing how refers to procedural memory (skills and actions); this distinction underpins memory research.

What does HM’s case reveal about the hippocampus’s role in memory consolidation?

The hippocampus is essential for consolidating new memories; without it, memories fail to consolidate and fade from memory.

What does Chapter 4 say about brain plasticity when half the brain is removed in early childhood?

The brain is highly plastic in early life, and removing one hemisphere can still allow the person to lead a functioning life.

What happened to HM’s brain after his death and why is it significant?

His brain was preserved, sliced into over 2,000 sections, photographed, and studied, contributing greatly to memory research.

Who was Brenda Milner and what did she contribute to HM’s study?

A PhD student who conducted studies on HM, leading to key insights about memory systems and the hippocampus’s role in memory consolidation.