Physiology and Systems of Memory

These flashcards cover the neurophysiological underpinnings of memory, types of amnesia, and the various systems of human memory discussed in the lecture.

Neurogenesis

The process that allows new neurons to be created to form neurocircuits or neuroconnections that underlie new memories.

Hippocampus

One of the few brain areas where new neurons continue to be generated into old age; it is associated with memory and preserving new memories as they are created.

Average number of neurons at birth

Approximately $83\text{ billion}$ neurons.

Synaptic connections

Connections between neurons that are created when learning or remembering something new; these define the reusable neural pathways responsible for memories.

Long-term potentiation

Long-lasting increases in neural excitabilities that strengthen synaptic connections between pre- and post-synaptic neurons by increasing transmitters and receptors.

Consolidation (con’t)

The memory process heavily influenced by sleep, particularly during which memories are stabilized; lack of sleep can prevent this process.

Patient HM

A famous case study of anterograde amnesia who underwent surgery that caused a lesion or removal of the hippocampus, preventing the creation of new memories.

Implicit memory

Retention exhibited on a task that does not require intentional memory or consciousness, such as perceptual or motor skills like riding a bike.

Explicit memory

The intentional recollection of previous experiences, such as specific facts or personal events.

Declarative memory system

A system that handles factual information, including explicit and semantic information, and is more susceptible to memory loss.

Non-declarative memory system

Also known as procedural memory, it handles memories for actions, skills, operations, and conditional responses that are often automatic.

Episodic memory system

A system made up of chronological or temporally dated recollections of personal experiences and autobiographical accounting.

Semantic memory system

A system based on general knowledge and factual information not tied to a specific time, such as information learned from an encyclopedia.

Prospective memory

A type of memory that involves remembering to perform actions in the future, or "remembering to remember."

Retrospective memory

A type of memory involving the recollection of things that have happened in the participant's past.