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Brain Structures Involved in LTM (Role of Consolidation in the Storage of…
Brain Structures Involved in LTM
The physiological make-up of memory is such that is not possible to find the exact locations in the brain where it is stored. Advances have been made in discovering key brain structures that are involved and recognise that this varies according to the type of memory and whether it is in the process of being encoded or stored.
Role of the Hippocampus
Unlike the cells in other structures of the brain, the cells in the hippocampus are able to reproduce, and therefore, enable new memories to be formed. The hippocampus is important for learning
explicit
memory and for memorising complex tasks that require
declarative
memory (e.g. a child learning to spell unfamiliar words). A point in the encoding and storage process of declarative memories takes place in the hippocampus before these memories are transferred for more permanent storage in relevant parts of the cerebral cortex. Involved in establishing the background or content for each new memory (e.g. the location, situation and memory for places)
Role of the Cerebral Cortex
Different long-term declarative memories are stored in the different cortical areas generally according to where the type of information was processed and encoded in the frontal lobes of the cerebral cortex. Learning a new language - the memory is stored in Broca's area of the left frontal lobe, which is responsible for language. Memory for the names of colours is stored in the part of the temporal lobe that is close to the occipital lobe. Spatial memories (awareness of one's self in space is stored in the parietal lobe)
Role of Consolidation in the Storage of Explicit memories
The process of consolidation of explicit memories takes place in the
hippocampus
. This can be seen with neuroscanning techniques. Participants were asked to learn words or pictures that were shown to them - how well the words were remembered later on could be predicted from how much activation occurred in the hippocampus during the presentation
Linking emotion to memory
Through it's close relationship with and proximity to the amygdala, the hippocampus plays an important role in the relationship between emotion and memory, including the emotion generated by particular memories and vice versa
Hippocampus
Transferring new memories for storage
The hippocampus transfers
declarative memories
to other relevant parts of the brain for permanent storage as long-term memories. Studies of rats and damaged pathways between the hippocampus and cerebral cortex showed that memory foundation (encoding) is dependant on the hippocampus, but LTM storage requires interaction between the hippocampus and cerebral cortex over time. Research suggests that the transfer of declarative memory from the hippocampus to other relevant parts of the brain occurs at times when it is less busy, such as during sleep. The hippocampus is active during slow-wave sleep when it is considered that memories are being processed
Role of the Amygdala
The amygdala is connected to the hippocampus and has a key role in memory formation. Your amygdala helps you recognise danger when you encounter it and realise fear in other people. The amygdala's role in emotional memory formation has been studied extensively in rats - without an amygdala, rats do not learn a fear response. The presence of noradrenaline seems to stimulate the amygdala to attach more emotional significance to an experience
The amygdala is essential for the formation of
implicit
memories including those formed during classical conditioning and emotional memory. It regulates emotions such as pleasure, fear and aggression. Also has a special role in the memory for emotions shown on the face. In activating the hippocampus, the amygdala also plays a role in the consolidation of declarative memory with emotional context (e.g. winning a sports competition)
Distinction Between the Hippocampus and Amygdala
Damaged hippocampus allowed researchers to understand there were two types of LTM: explicit and implicit. PET scans of participants undertaking activities that required the use of explicit and implicit memories revealed the hippocampus was active for explicit memory tasks, but other parts were active for procedural memory. People with hippocampal damage are still able to learn and remember procedural information such as motor skills or habits (bike riding), but can't remember performing the skill
Role of the Cerebellum
Procedural memories are processed, encoded and stored by the cerebellum, as well as the motor cortex in the frontal lobes of the cerebrum. The cerebellum has a role in classical conditioning. The cerebellum also has a role in the memory of how to perform a motor skill; it works with the motor cortex of the frontal lobes.
Difference between STM and LTM
Patients with
anterograde amnesia
have provided evidence for a difference between STM and LTM. -- Damaged hippocampi; can only remember information up to the time of head injury; can still carry out many procedures and simple skills; unable to form new declarative memories