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?

    <p>Attention (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do calcium and neural communication contribute to memory formation?

    <p>They facilitate the encoding, storage, and retrieval stages. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the hippocampus?

    <p>Formation and consolidation of new declarative memories (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What deficit is commonly associated with damage to the hippocampus?

    <p>Anterograde amnesia (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Frontal lobe (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of neuron sends signals through neurotransmitters?

    <p>Chemical neurons (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What occurs during the depolarization stage of membrane potential?

    <p>Sodium channels open and sodium enters the cell (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>More potassium inside than outside the cell (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>They initiate the depolarization phase (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Schwann cells and Oligodendrocytes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What occurs during hyperpolarization of a neuron?

    <p>More potassium ions exit the cell, making the charge more negative (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To restore the resting level of the neuron (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What describes the absolute refractory period in a neuron?

    <p>It is the time when the neuron cannot respond to any stimulus (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>The neuron is hyperpolarized and can only respond to a strong stimulus (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is saltatory conduction?

    <p>Propagation of action potentials along myelinated axons at nodes of Ranvier (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of channel remains always open?

    <p>Leakage channel (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are precursor chemicals in the context of neurotransmitter synthesis?

    <p>Specific molecules needed to synthesize neurotransmitters (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>It drives the movement of ions across ion channels in response to electrical gradients (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of Opsin in the phototransduction process?

    <p>It activates the g-protein transducin. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Ganglion cells (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Rods (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>It regulates and initiates voluntary actions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which condition is characterized by excessive, uncontrolled movements?

    <p>Hyperkinesia (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>It defines the area of visual space that influences a neuron's firing rate. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What best describes the structure of rods compared to cones?

    <p>Rods are smaller and more numerous than cones. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Balance and posture maintenance. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are body parts represented in the primary motor cortex?

    <p>Body parts requiring fine motor control occupy more space. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Horizontal cells (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Hyperpolarization and decreased neurotransmitter release. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To transmit signals from the brain to muscles. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Cones have higher spatial resolution due to their distribution in the fovea. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Ataxia (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Planning and preparing for voluntary movements. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is dysmetria, and how does it affect movement?

    <p>Overshooting or undershooting movements. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Middle region (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which syndrome is characterized by difficulty managing daily activities?

    <p>Dysexecutive syndrome (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>It activates strategy-related control. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>It alters the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What best defines disinhibition syndrome?

    <p>Constant purposeless movement and inappropriate laughter. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Cerebellum (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>It collaborates with posterior regions for working memory. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Frontal lobe (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do lesions in the frontal lobe impact behavior?

    <p>They can lead to acquired sociopathy. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>Medial frontal cortex (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Phototransduction

    The process of converting light energy into electrical signals in the retina.

    Rods

    Photoreceptor cells responsible for low-light vision and detecting shades of gray.

    Cones

    Photoreceptor cells responsible for color vision and fine detail.

    Visual Receptive Field

    The area of the visual field that, when stimulated, causes a specific neuron in the retina to respond.

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    Converging Receptive Fields

    Receptive fields where multiple photoreceptor cells converge onto a single bipolar cell, increasing sensitivity to light.

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    Non-converging Receptive Fields

    Receptive fields where each photoreceptor cell has a separate pathway to a bipolar cell, maintaining individual detail.

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    Bipolar Cells

    Interneurons in the retina that connect photoreceptors to ganglion cells.

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    Ganglion Cells

    Neurons in the retina that receive signals from bipolar cells and transmit them to the brain.

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    Hyperpolarization

    A state where the neuron's membrane potential becomes more negative than its resting potential (-70mV). This happens because potassium voltage-gated channels close slowly, allowing more potassium ions to leave the cell.

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    Refractory Period

    A period during which a neuron is less likely to fire another action potential. This is due to the sodium-potassium pump restoring the neuron's resting potential.

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    Absolute Refractory Period

    A time during which the neuron absolutely cannot fire another action potential. This occurs between depolarization and repolarization, from the opening of sodium activation gates to the closing of inactivation gates.

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    Relative Refractory Period

    A time period during which a neuron can only be stimulated to fire another action potential with a stronger-than-usual stimulus. This occurs after the absolute refractory period, and is characterized by sodium gates being closed and potassium gates being open.

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    Saltatory Conduction

    The rapid transmission of nerve impulses along a myelinated axon, where excitation only occurs at the nodes of Ranvier.

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    Diffusion

    The movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

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    Leakage Channel

    A type of ion channel that is always open, allowing ions to pass through the membrane continuously.

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    Voltage-Gated Channel

    A type of ion channel that opens in response to a change in membrane potential.

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    Hippocampus function

    The hippocampus is responsible for forming and consolidating new long-term memories, specifically episodic memories (personal experiences) and semantic memories (general knowledge).

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    Frontal lobe function

    The frontal lobe is responsible for higher-level cognitive functions like decision-making, planning, and regulating emotions. It helps us evaluate the importance of actions and connect them to our goals, values, and feelings.

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    Occipital lobe function

    The occipital lobe is responsible for processing visual information, including color, form, and motion.

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    What is the function of the membrane potential?

    The membrane potential refers to the electrical difference across the cell membrane of a neuron, caused by the uneven distribution of ions. It plays a critical role in communication between neurons.

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    Depolarization

    Depolarization is the process where the inside of a neuron becomes less negative, shifting closer to zero mV. This occurs when sodium ions (Na+) rush into the cell, driven by both the electrochemical gradient.

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    Repolarization

    Repolarization is the process where the inside of a neuron returns to its resting potential (negative charge) after depolarization. This occurs when potassium ions (K+) move out of the cell.

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    What are the two types of neuronal communication?

    Neurons communicate through two main processes: electrical signaling, which involves the flow of ions across the cell membrane, and chemical signaling, which involves the release of neurotransmitters.

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    What are the stages involved in the action potential?

    The action potential involves three key stages: depolarization (the neuron becomes less negative), repolarization (the neuron returns to its resting potential), and the refractory period (a brief time where the neuron is less likely to fire another action potential).

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    STM vs. LTM

    Short-term memory (STM) is a temporary storage system, while long-term memory (LTM) is a permanent storage system. STM is limited in capacity, while LTM has a vast capacity. This case shows the differences between these two memory types.

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    What is working memory?

    Working memory is a type of short-term memory that actively holds and manipulates information needed for current tasks. It's like a mental workspace where you process information.

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    Long-term memory types

    Long-term memory is divided into declarative and non-declarative memory. Declarative memory is explicit and conscious, like facts and events. Non-declarative memory is implicit and unconscious, like skills and habits.

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    Memory formation stages

    The brain forms, stores, and retrieves memories through three stages: encoding, storage, and retrieval. Encoding is the initial processing of information into memory. Storage is the retention of information over time. Retrieval is the accessing and recalling of stored information.

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    Cognitive Control: What is it?

    Cognitive control, also known as executive function, refers to the mental processes that allow us to plan, manage tasks, make decisions, and adapt to changing circumstances. It helps us stay focused, solve problems, and control our impulses.

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    Basal Ganglia's Role

    A complex system of nuclei that acts as a "volume control" for movement. It helps initiate voluntary actions and prevent conflicting commands.

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    What does the cerebellum do?

    The cerebellum is responsible for coordinating movements, timing, and precision. It also plays a vital role in balance and posture.

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    What is ataxia?

    A condition resulting from cerebellum damage, characterized by uncoordinated movements, unsteady gait, and difficulty with fine motor skills.

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    Cortical Homunculus

    A representation of the human body in the primary motor cortex, where areas with finer motor control (e.g., fingers) occupy more space.

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    Role of Premotor Cortex and SMA

    The premotor cortex plans and sequences movements, while the supplementary motor area (SMA) initiates internally generated movements.

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    Spinal Cord's Role

    The spinal cord transmits signals from the brain to muscles, enabling voluntary and reflexive movements. It's also responsible for controlling rhythmic movements like walking.

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    What is a reflex arc?

    A simple neural pathway involving sensory and motor neurons that allows for rapid responses to stimuli, like the knee-jerk reflex or withdrawal from a painful object.

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    Effects of Spinal Cord Injury

    Damage to the spinal cord can result in loss of voluntary motor control, altered reflexes, and potentially paralysis depending on the severity and location of the injury.

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    Prefrontal Cortex (PFC)

    The frontmost part of the frontal lobe, responsible for complex cognitive functions like decision-making, planning, and working memory.

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    Dorsal Prefrontal Cortex (DLPFC)

    A region within the PFC involved in goal-directed behavior, working memory, and cognitive control.

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    Ventral Prefrontal Cortex (VPFC)

    A region within the PFC involved in emotion regulation, social cognition, and decision-making under uncertainty.

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    Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC)

    A region in the medial prefrontal cortex involved in monitoring performance, detecting errors, and adjusting behavior.

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    Stroop Test

    A neuropsychological test that measures cognitive flexibility and interference control. Participants are asked to name the color of ink used to print a word, which may be incongruent with the written word.

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    Congruent Condition

    In a Stroop test, when the color of the ink matches the written word.

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    Incongruent Condition

    In a Stroop test, when the color of the ink does not match the written word.

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    Disinhibition Syndrome

    A disorder characterized by impulsive behavior, inappropriate social interactions, and difficulty controlling actions.

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    Disesecutive Syndrome

    A disorder characterized by difficulty planning, organizing, and carrying out tasks.

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    Acquired Sociopathy

    A condition where individuals lose the ability to understand and respond to social norms and cues due to brain damage.

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    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!

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