Learning, Memory, Language 11/5/10
What is a memory? An organism's ability to store, retain, and recall information and experiences
Memory Types Declarative Memory Working memory -Prefrontal Cortex Semantic memory Episodic memory
Storing Memory How do we go from “learning” to memory “storage”? H.M.: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBsW5qz5sDU
Storing Memory Hippocampus and parahippocampal region play roles in converting short-term to long-term Medial temporal region: forms/organizes/retrieves memories Cortical regions: store long-term memories A song to help you understand- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Li5nMsXg1Lk
Retaining Memory “Changes in synapses”… ? Synaptic Plasticity- learning by adding or removing connections, or adding cells LTP: Long-Term Potentiation CHANGES in the synapse http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMehTI6DPYI
Mechanism of LTP Ca2+ enter synapse Activation of cAMP cAMP activates CREB (cAMP-response element binding protein) CREB activates the production of neurotrophins: proteins that increase neuron sensitivity (decrease its threshold) I will Diagram on Board
Language Left hemisphere = language master Left frontal lobe: Broca’s aphasia: trouble producing speech Wernicke’s aphasia: trouble understanding speech Word deafness: all possible speech problems combined into one disease
Language and Brain Areas Speech recognition: L/R temporal lobes (anterior) Speech production: L frontal lobe + L temporal lobe Word meanings: stored in the L temporal lobe Sensory/motor circuit for verbal short term memory: L posterior temporal lobe