Memory and Learning - BI0 115

Nervous system

Where neurons and supporting cells are located. The excitable cells transmit signals where the non-excitable cells lack the electron potential to transmit signals.

Synapse

Junction or gap between the presynaptic neuron(which drops off neuron) and post synaptic neuron (where neuron is picked up) where neuron sends chemical signals to another cell.

Neuronal Development

Process that happens before birth where the brain develops and grows

Genetics

Determines the basic structure of the nervous system

Gene expression

HOW DNA is used

Signal Transduction 

Time system or WHEN expression occurs 

Neuronal Plasticity

modifications that occur after birth

• connections between neurons in the brain that are activity dependent

• the brain modifies these connections based on experiences which allows you to adapt to certain situations

Memories

long lasting changes in the brain which are activity dependent since the amount of activity in the synapses tells the brain what is important 

• New experiences → connections → memories 

• use → retained → important

  • not used → not important → discarded

Learning

use of memory to decrease the likelihood of a negative outcome

Sensory Memory

what you experience

Short Term Memory

• aka Working Memory

• what you are aware of now and is held for a short period of time

• 7+2 items

Long Term Memory

permanent connections in the brain that has unlimited storage and is affected by age

Encoding

translating outside info into something your brain understands

Retrieval 

bringing stored memories from LTM to STM 

How to get info to LTM

1. repeat info

2. use CHUNKING, which is associating items into groups

3. mnemonic devices → tie new info into already existing memories

4. self-referencing

5. teach yourself the material(Feynman Technique)

6. spacing → space out your studying

Long Term Potentiation 

persistent strengthening of synapse based on your activities 

• not a type of memory but a process in your brain which allows you to get really good at retrieving memory

• a physical change involving proteins and neurons that is essential for learning

• long-lasting increase in signaling between 2 neurons

  • the stronger the signaling, the easier you can recall previous experiences