Learning + Memory
How does learning impact the nervous system?
Physically changes the structure of the nervous system, altering neural circuits that participate in perceiving, performing, thinking, planning, and behaving
In mammals, which neuromodulator acts as the main reinforcement signal?
Dopamine
What is a ‘cognitive map’?
Internal representation of an external spaces
What is synaptic plasticity?
Change that occurs at synapses
What is the primary role of NMDA receptors in learning?
Coincidence detection
What are place cells of the hippocampus?
Neuron in the hippocampus that becomes active when an animal/person enters a particular place in its environment
What are the two components needed for synaptic plasticity to occur?
1.) Synaptic potentiation / strengthening
2.) Neuromodulators as reinforcement signals
What event ultimately leads to synapse strengthening / larger EPSPs?
An increase of receptors on the post-synaptic cell
What information is contained within the sequential spiking of place cells?
Where you were, where you are currently, and where you’re headed
In the Aplysia experiments, where in the circuit did the learning occur?
At the specific synapse from siphon (sensory) to gill reflex (motor)
How may sequential spiking of place cells also be related to episodic memory?
Hippocampal lesions in H.M led to the inability to form new long-term episodic memories (sequences of events of your experience)
Describe the water maze. What is the consequence of a hippocampal lesion on spatial learning in the water maze?
Rats were placed in a tank with opaque water and a platform. Rats swam around until they found the platform (fixed visual cues on the walls of the room – would inform the location of the platform from different starting points). This was repeated multiple times until the rat could swim directly to the platform no matter where in the tank it was placed. When the hippocampus was lesioned the rat swam aimlessly until it found the platform. This was repeated multiple times but the rat could never learn where the platform was.