Memory Basics
True or False: Memory works like a perfect recording of our experiences.
False
What brain structure acts like a "train conductor" sending sensory information to different parts of the brain?
Thalamus
Why was memory crucial for early humans?
It helped them remember where food and predators were.
What are the two main classes of long-term memory?
Explicit and Implicit memory
Which of the five senses bypasses the thalamus and connects directly to the amygdala and the hippocampus?
Smell
What is the first type of memory that holds information briefly after we experience it?
Short-term memory
Which part of the brain is responsible for emotional processing and can trigger a "hijack"?
Amygdala
What is the term for memory that helps us adapt to new environments?
Adaptive memory
Remembering your 10th birthday party is an example of what type of memory?
Episodic memory
Which lobe of the brain is primarily responsible for processing visual information?
Occipital Lobe
What part of the brain helps transfer memories from short-term to long-term?
The Hippocampus
Which part of the brain helps regulate hunger, sleep, and body temperature?
Hypothalamus
Our memories are amazing, and able to store 2.5 petabytes of long-term memory data, which is equivalent to how many hours of TV programming?
300 million hours of TV
What type of memory is remembering how to ride a bike, even if you haven't ridden in years?
Implicit memory
What brain structure acts as a relay center for most sensory information?
The Thalamus
What does "active forgetfulness" mean?
The brain pushes out less-important memories to make room for the more-important ones.
What brain structure didn't exist in pre-historic times?
The prefrontal cortex
How does the brain decide which memories are worth keeping? (list 3 reasons)
Knowing the capital of France without remembering when you learned it is an example of what type of sub memory?
Semantic memory
Why do certain smells trigger powerful emotional memories?
Because the olfactory bulb has direct connections to the amygdala and hippocampus.
Why do we forget things like someone's name after meeting them once?
Weak neuron and synaptic connections due to lack of repetition.
Explain the "dance" between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex.
The amygdala triggers emotional reactions, while the prefrontal cortex helps regulate and manage those emotions.
How does the amygdala help with survival?
It triggers quick fear responses to threats.
Which part of the brain processes procedural/motor memories?
Cerebellum
Which part of the brain helps integrate sensory input — especially taste, touch, and spatial information — allowing you to create a cognitive map of your surroundings?