Cognition, Sleep, and Memory Review

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to cognition, sleep, and memory as discussed in lecture notes.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

A test used to detect the electrical activity of the brain, recording this activity in the form of waves.

Graded Potential

A temporary change in the membrane potential that can lead to depolarization or hyperpolarization, depending on the type of ion channel that opens.

Action Potential

A rapid, all-or-none electrical signal that travels down the axon of a neuron, during which the membrane potential becomes highly positive before returning to resting state.

Circadian Rhythm

The body's internal clock that regulates physiological processes on a roughly 24-hour cycle, including the sleep-wake cycle.

REM Sleep

A sleep stage characterized by rapid eye movement, increased brain activity, and vivid dreams, with temporary paralysis of skeletal muscles.

Non-REM Sleep

Sleep stages that do not involve rapid eye movement and are more restorative, divided into stages N1, N2, N3, and N4.

Hippocampus

A brain region involved in the consolidation of new memories and spatial orientation.

Amygdala

A brain structure that processes emotions and is critical for emotional memory, particularly fear.

Memory Consolidation

The process by which short-term memories are transformed into long-term memories, often occurring during sleep.

Anterograde Amnesia

The inability to form new memories following an incident, while older memories remain intact.

Retrograde Amnesia

The loss of memories formed before a certain incident or trauma.

Neurotransmitter GABA

An inhibitory neurotransmitter that prevents the firing of neurons involved in arousal, critical for sleep.

Dopamine

A neurotransmitter involved in reward, motivation, and addiction, with varied effects in different neurological conditions.