amygdala hippocampus

What is the role of the hippocampus in memory formation and storage?

It is responsible for the formation of long-term memories, especially declarative (explicit) memories like facts and events.

Where is the hippocampus located in the brain?

The hippocampus is located in the medial temporal lobe.

How does the hippocampus convert short-term memories into long-term memories?

The hippocampus consolidates short-term memories by organizing and transferring them to other parts of the brain for long-term storage.

What other function does the hippocampus serve besides memory organization?

It plays a role in spatial navigation and contextual learning.

How does the hippocampus decide which memories are important enough to be stored as long-term memories?

Rehearsal helps, as well as emotional significance, novelty, and repetition.

Once the hippocampus has selected memories for storage, where does it send the information?

It sends memories to different parts of the cerebral cortex for long-term storage.

Who is Henry Molaison (H.M.) and why is he a famous case in psychology?

His case gave insight into the role of the hippocampus in memory; after removal, he could not form new long-term memories.

What surgical procedure did H.M. undergo, and what were the consequences for his memory?

He had his hippocampus and parts of the medial temporal lobe removed, leading to anterograde amnesia.

What types of memories did H.M. lose as a result of the surgery?

He lost the ability to form new declarative (explicit) memories.

How did the case of H.M. contribute to our understanding of memory in the brain?

It demonstrated that the hippocampus is crucial for the formation of long-term declarative memory.

What led to Henry Molaison's decision to undergo brain surgery?

Severe epilepsy that couldn’t be controlled with medication.

What was the outcome of the surgery in terms of H.M.'s seizures?

His seizures reduced significantly.

Where is the cerebellum located in the brain, and what is its role in memory formation?

Located in the hindbrain, it is involved in procedural and motor learning.

What are implicit memories, and how are they formed?

Implicit memories are unconscious memories formed without deliberate effort, often through repetition and practice.

How does the cerebellum contribute to motor learning?

It helps in fine-tuning motor skills and coordinating movement.

What are procedural memories, and how are they stored in the cerebellum?

Procedural memories are skills stored in the cerebellum and basal ganglia.

What happens when there is damage to the cerebellum in terms of motor learning and procedural memories?

It can cause loss of coordination and difficulty performing learned movements.

What role does the amygdala play in memory formation?

The amygdala is involved in emotional memory.

How does the amygdala work in conjunction with the hippocampus in memory formation?

It tags emotional significance to events, influencing what the hippocampus stores.

How does the amygdala contribute to the memorability of emotional memories?

Emotional arousal strengthens memory consolidation.

What types of memories are stored in the amygdala?

Emotional memories, especially fear-related memories.

How can the amygdala be detrimental in the case of highly emotional memories or traumas?

It can lead to traumatic memory formation and PTSD.

Where are emotional memories believed to be stored in the brain?

In the amygdala, interconnected with the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.

Which type of memories are thought to be regulated by the amygdala?

Emotional, fear-based, and survival-related memories.