Memory and Higher Brain Functions

Flashcards about Memory and Higher Brain Functions

What is explicit memory?

Factual memory like names, dates, and places.

The medial temporal lobe, especially the hippocampus and amygdaloid nucleus.

What brain regions are important for explicit memory?

What is the role of the hippocampus in explicit memory?

Retrieves memories.

What is the role of the amygdaloid nucleus in memory?

Assigns an emotional context to memories.

What is implicit memory?

Procedural memory, like how to ride a bike.

Where is implicit memory stored primarily?

Cerebellum and cerebral premotor area.

What did temporal lobe stimulation in epileptic patients reveal in the 1940s?

Coherent recollection of earlier experiences.

What was the effect of bilateral temporal lobe lobotomy in epileptic patients in the 1950s?

Amnesia (devastating memory deficits).

What was unique about patient H.M. after his surgery?

He could not transfer new explicit short-term memory into long-term memory.

What is the first stage of the 'modal model of memory'?

Sensory memory (lasting up to a few seconds).

How long does short-term memory last?

Seconds to minutes, depending on rehearsal.

What is the final stage in the modal model of memory?

Transfer to long-term memory.

How does memory formation change neurons?

It involves a persistent change in the relationship between neurons.

What two structural changes occur when memories are formed?

Increasing the number of synaptic connections and strengthening those connections.

How do repeated experiences affect memory?

Consolidate memory by converting the short-term form into a long-term form.

What is long-term potentiation (LTP)?

A long-lasting increase in the strength of a synaptic response following stimulation.

Where does long-term explicit memory storage involve LTP?

Hippocampus.

What does LTP require?

New protein synthesis and the growth of new synaptic connections.

Name a recreational drug that can negatively impact your academic performance.

Alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, TIK, methamphetamines, ecstasy, cocaine, or heroine.

How quickly does alcohol get absorbed into the bloodstream?

Quickly.

How quickly does alcohol crosses the BBB?

Just as quickly.

How quickly does the liver oxidizes alcohol?

0.15%/hr.

What happens when alcohol interacts with GABA receptors?

Anxiety is reduced, muscle control is impaired, and reaction time is delayed.

What happens when alcohol interacts with glutamate receptors?

Thinking becomes clouded and can eventually lead to a coma.

List brain functions vulnerable to alcohol.

Memory, coordination, vision, general senses, movement, and judgment.

Why is alcohol consumption by adolescents particularly damaging?

Produces more extensive brain damage compared to adults.

How does alcohol impair memory?

By interfering with LTP.

How long can your attention span be reduced after drinking?

Up to 48 hours.

How does meth get into the brain?

It is lipid soluble, so it easily diffuses out of the blood stream and into the brain.

How does meth affect the blood-brain barrier (BBB)?

Increases its permeability, making it more leaky.

What part of the brain is particularly susceptible to meth?

Hippocampus.

What effects does meth have on the hippocampus?

Reduction in hippocampal volume, neuronal death (apoptosis), and inhibition of neurogenesis.

What is neurogenesis?

The development of neurons.

Where does adult neurogenesis occur?

The hippocampus and 2 brain region.

How does meth affect neurogenesis in the hippocampus?

Decreases the number of immature neurons.

What effect do stress hormones have on the hippocampus?

Shrink and destroy the hippocampus.

What is a potential long-term effect of stress on the brain?

Alzheimer's, dementia, and other cognitive impairments.

Define explicit (factual) memory.

Memory of facts, such as names, dates, and places.

Define implicit (procedural) memory.

Memory of how to do things, such as riding a bicycle.

Define temporal lobe.

Section of the brain associated with memory, hearing, and language.

Define hippocampus.

Brain region crucial for forming new explicit memories.

Define amygdaloid nucleus.

Brain region that assigns emotional context to memories.

Define amnesia.

Memory loss.

Define sensory memory.

Brief storage of sensory information.

Define short-term memory.

Temporary storage of information.

Define long-term memory.

Permanent storage of information.

Define long-term potentiation.

Strengthening of synaptic connections.

True or False: Sleep helps us consolidate explicit/factual memory

True

Which brain region can be damaged by chronic stress?

Hippocampus

What can chronic stress lead to?

Alzheimer's, dementia, and other cognitive impairments