Neuroscience: Memory and Brain Function

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Questions and Answers

What differentiates short-term memory (STM) from long-term memory (LTM)?

STM is responsible for storing factual information only.

LTM cannot process information as quickly as STM.

LTM only retains information for a short duration.

STM includes working memory as a subcategory. (correct)

Which stage is NOT part of the memory process?

Retrieval

Storage

Transcription (correct)

Encoding

What is a characteristic of proactive control?

It involves anticipating events and preparing for them. (correct)

It is a reaction to conflicts as they arise.

It primarily focuses on past experiences.

It relies heavily on immediate sensory feedback.

Which of the following is a core process of cognitive control?

Attention Signup and view all the answers

How do calcium and neural communication contribute to memory formation?

They facilitate the encoding, storage, and retrieval stages. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the hippocampus?

Formation and consolidation of new declarative memories Signup and view all the answers

What deficit is commonly associated with damage to the hippocampus?

Anterograde amnesia Signup and view all the answers

Which lobe of the brain is primarily responsible for decision-making and impulse control?

Frontal lobe Signup and view all the answers

What type of neuron sends signals through neurotransmitters?

Chemical neurons Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the depolarization stage of membrane potential?

Sodium channels open and sodium enters the cell Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the resting potential of a neuron?

More potassium inside than outside the cell Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of voltage-gated channels at -55 mV?

They initiate the depolarization phase Signup and view all the answers

What types of cells are responsible for forming the myelin sheath?

Schwann cells and Oligodendrocytes Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during hyperpolarization of a neuron?

More potassium ions exit the cell, making the charge more negative Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the sodium-potassium pump in a neuron?

To restore the resting level of the neuron Signup and view all the answers

What describes the absolute refractory period in a neuron?

It is the time when the neuron cannot respond to any stimulus Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about relative refractory period?

The neuron is hyperpolarized and can only respond to a strong stimulus Signup and view all the answers

What is saltatory conduction?

Propagation of action potentials along myelinated axons at nodes of Ranvier Signup and view all the answers

What type of channel remains always open?

Leakage channel Signup and view all the answers

What are precursor chemicals in the context of neurotransmitter synthesis?

Specific molecules needed to synthesize neurotransmitters Signup and view all the answers

How does diffusion relate to the movement of molecules in neurons?

It drives the movement of ions across ion channels in response to electrical gradients Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Opsin in the phototransduction process?

It activates the g-protein transducin. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cell is primarily responsible for transmitting signals to the brain in response to light?

Ganglion cells Signup and view all the answers

In terms of visual acuity, which cell type has better sensitivity under low light conditions?

Rods Signup and view all the answers

What role does the basal ganglia serve within the context of motor function?

It regulates and initiates voluntary actions. Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is characterized by excessive, uncontrolled movements?

Hyperkinesia Signup and view all the answers

How does the receptive field function in neuronal response to visual stimuli?

It defines the area of visual space that influences a neuron's firing rate. Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the structure of rods compared to cones?

Rods are smaller and more numerous than cones. Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily supported by the vermis section of the cerebellum?

Balance and posture maintenance. Signup and view all the answers

How are body parts represented in the primary motor cortex?

Body parts requiring fine motor control occupy more space. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cells are responsible for connecting receptors with bipolar cells in the retina?

Horizontal cells Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the closing phase of sodium channels in phototransduction?

Hyperpolarization and decreased neurotransmitter release. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the spinal cord concerning motor control?

To transmit signals from the brain to muscles. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference in spatial resolution between rods and cones?

Cones have higher spatial resolution due to their distribution in the fovea. Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to the loss of coordination, resulting in unsteady or clumsy movements?

Ataxia Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the premotor cortex and supplementary motor area?

Planning and preparing for voluntary movements. Signup and view all the answers

What is dysmetria, and how does it affect movement?

Overshooting or undershooting movements. Signup and view all the answers

What part of the prefrontal cortex is primarily responsible for activating decision-related control?

Middle region Signup and view all the answers

Which syndrome is characterized by difficulty managing daily activities?

Dysexecutive syndrome Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of the anterior part of the prefrontal cortex?

It activates strategy-related control. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) during tasks like the Stroop test?

It alters the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Signup and view all the answers

What best defines disinhibition syndrome?

Constant purposeless movement and inappropriate laughter. Signup and view all the answers

Which area is crucial for processing language during tasks requiring attention, such as the Stroop test?

Cerebellum Signup and view all the answers

In decision-making, how does the frontal cortex work with other areas of the brain?

It collaborates with posterior regions for working memory. Signup and view all the answers

Damage to which part of the brain is associated with difficulties in inhibitory control?

Frontal lobe Signup and view all the answers

How do lesions in the frontal lobe impact behavior?

They can lead to acquired sociopathy. Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brain is involved with planning, simulating consequences, and behavioral control?

Medial frontal cortex Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

MC Questions

Task 1: The Tan case supports the idea of cerebral lateralization of language.
Task 2: The relative refractory stage of an action potential occurs during hyperpolarization.
Task 3: SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) prevent serotonin reabsorption and make receptors more responsive to serotonin.

Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease results from impairment of the Substantia Nigra Pars Compacta.

Neuroimaging Methods

EEG has higher temporal resolution than PET or fMRI.

Visual Processing

The order of light signal travel through the retina is: photoreceptors, bipolar cells, then ganglion cells.
Damage to the magnocellular pathway will likely affect the detection of motion and depth.

Attention

The cocktail party effect relies on selective attention.

Memory

Chunking is a strategy that improves memory by grouping smaller units into a larger unit.
Retrograde amnesia is memory loss prior to brain damage, whereas anterograde amnesia is memory loss after brain damage.

Neurotransmitters

Precursor chemicals are molecules needed for the synthesis of neurotransmitters.

Brain Function

The hippocampus plays a crucial role in memory formation.
The frontal lobe is involved in personality and executive functions.
Language production is associated with Broca's area.
Language comprehension is associated with Wernicke's area.

Neurotransmission

Neurotransmitters transmit signals across a synapse.
Neurotransmitters bind to receptors on the postsynaptic membrane.
Excitatory neurotransmitters like glutamate increase likelihood of an action potential, while inhibitory neurotransmitters like GABA decrease it.

Memory Processes

Short-term memory holds information temporarily.
Working memory actively manipulates information. -Sensory memory is the initial stage of memory, retaining sensory information in its raw form.
Short-term memory (STM) and working memory (WM) are distinctly different processes.
Encoding (getting information to go into STM or LTM), Storage (holding information), and retrieval (recovering information) are three key memory processes.

Neuroanatomy

The cerebral cortex is divided into four lobes: frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital.
The brain stem is responsible for basic life functions.
Different regions in the brain exhibit different densities of neurons.
The brain's plasticity allows for the modification and adaptation of neural organization over time.
Neural pathways connect brain regions and facilitate the transmission of information.
The cerebellum is involved in motor control and coordination.

Cognitive Control

Cognitive control, also known as executive function, is a necessary set of abilities to navigate the environment. It involves multiple components (attention, reasoning and so forth), such as coordinating behavior (including planning and conflict monitoring) and controlling other brain processes.

Memory and the Brain

Damage to the hippocampus often results in anterograde amnesia.
Different types of memory (declarative + nondeclarative) exist and serve different functions. Long-term potentiation (LTP) is crucial for long-term memory formation by modifying synaptic connections between neurons.

Memory Processes.

Rehearsal (repeating information) and elaborative processes (connecting new information to existing knowledge) support encoding.
Encoding and retrieval processes can be affected by external factors like noise, distraction, stress, and sleep quality.
Proactive interference happens when old information disrupts the recall of new information, while retroactive interference occurs when new information disrupts the recall of old information.

Memory, Attention & Brain Function

Unilateral damage (damage to one side of the brain) can result in neglect for the opposite side of space.
Attentional processes play a critical role in memory formation and retrieval.
The amygdala influences emotional processing and memory for emotionally arousing events.

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Description

This quiz explores the distinctions between short-term and long-term memory, the memory process stages, and the role of various brain structures, including the hippocampus. It also delves into the functionality of neurons, depolarization stages, and the significance of cognitive control mechanisms. Test your knowledge on crucial neurological concepts!