Learning and Memory (short term/working) Flashcards Preview

Neurophys Exam II > Learning and Memory (short term/working) > Flashcards

Flashcards in Learning and Memory (short term/working) Deck (30)
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1
Q

Learning and memory are what type of processes?

A

interconnected neuroplastic cognitive processes

2
Q

What must external changes do in order for memories to be formed (storage) and reactivated (recall)?

A

they must persist

3
Q

What two mechanisms are necessary for initiation and maintenance of memory?

A

LTP and LTD

4
Q

Why does learning and memory have evolutionary value?

A

we learn about our external environment, store this information and can retrieve it during later situations and thus respond appropriately

5
Q

What processes are involved in memory?

A

Encoding, Retention, and Retrieval

6
Q

What is encoding?

A

acquisition of information “learning”

7
Q

What is retention?

A

storage of information

8
Q

What is retrieval?

A

accessing stored information

9
Q

What is working memory?

A

It involves keeping relevant information accessible for short time periods while a task is being completed

10
Q

What are the characteristics of working memory?

A
  • Operates in real time (seconds and minutes)
  • Has limited capacity for information
  • Involves goal directed action
  • Utilizes the distinct functions
11
Q

How much information can we keep in our working memory?

A

originally thought to be ~7 items, but now it’s believed only to be ~4

12
Q

What distinct functions does working memory utilize?

A

Planning, selection & suppression and task monitoring

13
Q

What is planning?

A

developing and executing a strategy

14
Q

What is the selection & suppression process in working memory?

A

identifying relevant components of the task and focusing attention of those components while suppressing irrelevant material

15
Q

What is task monitoring in working memory?

A

Keeping relevant information “online”

16
Q

What areas of the brain does working memory require activation from?

A
  • 5 SSDNs that send projections to thalamic ARAS and mediodorsal nucleus (MD) of thalamus –> these nuclei then communicate with regions of the PFC
17
Q

What areas of the PFC are involved in achieving working memory?

A

lateral, medial, and orbital prefrontal cortex

18
Q

Right and left lateral PFC process what in working memory?

A

right –> perceptual data

left –> symbolic data (language and semantic information)

19
Q

What dos the medial PFC process in working memory?

A

positive emotions and positive emotional memory

20
Q

What does the orbital PFC process in working memory?

A

negative emotions and negative emotional memory

21
Q

Working memory network pathway?

A

5 SSDNs –> Thalamic ARAS + MD nucleus –> PFC

22
Q

What is the network responsible for control of attention?

A

Under direction of working memory network (PFC)

23
Q

What are the brain regions involved with attention?

A
  • 5 SSDNs
  • Tectum
  • Thalamic ARAS and the Pulvinar nucleus
  • Cingulate gyrus
  • R. lateral PFC
  • R. superior parietal lobe
24
Q

What is the role of the Tectum in attention?

A

Controls auditory and visual response

  • inferior colliculi = auditory
  • superior colliculi = visual
25
Q

What is the role of Thalamic ARAS and Pulvinar nucleus in attention?

A

act as a relay station for information between the tectum and 5 SSDNs and the cortex

26
Q

What is the role of the cingulate gyrus in attention?

A

Helps maintain a state of alertness

27
Q

What is the role of the right lateral PFC in attention?

A

Functions to aid in working memory related to perceptual processing

28
Q

What is the role of the right superior parietal lobe in attention?

A

Controls shifts in attention, including shifts of attention between differential spatial locations

29
Q

Attention network pathway

A

5 SSDNs + Tectum –> Thalamic ARAS + Pulvinar nucleus –> cingulate gyrus + R. lat. PFC + R. Sup. parietal lobe

30
Q

What 3 general classes are temporal memory broken down into?

A

Short-term memory
Working memory
Long-term memory