Functional Brain Systems + Sleep + Language + Memory

Functional Brain Systems

and what are the two main ones

Networks of neurons that work together and span wide areas of the brain

Limbic system

Reticular formation (RAS)

Limbic system - other names

emotional or affective brain

4 structures of the limbic system

Amygdala, hippocampus, cingulate gyrus, hypothalamus

Amygdala - which Functional Brain Systems and what functions

limbic system - fear, anger, and danger

hippocampus - which Functional Brain Systems and what functions

limbic system - memory - > affected by stress

cingulate gyrus - which Functional Brain Systems and what functions

express emotion and resolve mental conflict

Hypothalamus - which Functional Brain Systems and what functions

Limbic system - where emotion affects the body (sweating, heart racing etc)

Emotional regulation

Limbic system (emotional brain) and prefrontal cortex (thinking brain) working together

ex: amygdala → fear

prefrontal cortex → logical → calm down

Which sense area is closely related to the limbic system

Olfactory → odors recall memories

Which two parts of the limbic structure plays a role in memory

Amygdala and Hippocampus

RAS (reticular activating system)

sends impulses to cerebral cortex to keep it awake → conscious and alert

if injured → coma

filters out weak repetitive stimuli

Two major types of sleep

Rapid eye movement (REM) and nonrapid eye movement (NREM) sleep

NREM

Non rapid eye movement sleep

slow wave sleep

restorative / recovery

REM

rapid eye movement sleep

active brain - dreaming → emotion

sleep deprivation → moody and depressed

Broca’s area

in the frontal lobe of left hemisphere

producing speech

Wernicke’s area

In the temporal lobe of left hemisphere

understanding speech

What are the three processes of memory

encoding, storage, and retrieval of information

What are the two types of storage of memory

Short term and long term

Short term memory (STI)

working memory - temporary holding of information → limited to 7-8 pieces of info

Long term memory (LTI)

unlimited capacity → permanent info

What four factors affect transfer from Short term memory to long term memory

Emotional state (better if alert and motivated)

Rehearsal (repetition and practice)

Association (tying new info to old memories)

Automatic memory (subconscious info stored in long term memory)