Learning_and_Memory

Learning and Memory Paper Learning and memory are undividable. The two go hand in hand and without both working together one would not exist. People learn through experiences and sensations and then they store the information as memories. Some memories are used more often than others, but all are stored away at one point or another. “Understanding how the brain is able to acquire complex new information, store the memory within its vast arrays of neurons and then retrieve it when necessary presents a considerable challenge to the biological psychologist,” (Wickens, 2005). Understanding the biological foundations of the brain not only helps us to understand the basic functions of learning and memory, but people can also begin to understand about brain dysfunctions. This type of technology can lead to many places which could ultimately affect the industry in a positive way. The science behind the biology is detrimental and will be studied by many people for years to come. Neuroanatomy and Moral Processes Over many years of study, it has been found that the relationship between learning and memory is found in the structure of the brain called the hippocampus. This particular neural system helps the human be able to process information and store it for later use if necessary. Without memory, learning becomes a large struggle because humans would continually have to learn the same thing over and over again, having no place to put the information. Humans would be unable to use language or perform many tasks that are taken for granted in everyday life. Andrew Wickens, author of Foundations of Biopsychology, states: “Without learning and memory, humans would be mentally and psychologically dead,” (Wickens, 2005). Neuroanatomy is the part of the brain which addresses the various parts of the nervous system. The neural structure of the brain that addresses learning will be the neuroanatomy of learning. The hippocampus is the part of the brain that addresses memory. There is short-term or working memory which is concerned with the immediate operations present at any given time. For example if you were given directions to the store, following those directions would most concern the short term or working memory area of the hippocampus, (Neuroanatomy, 2008). There is long-term or declarative memory which is concerned with maintaining the information stored that can be recalled over time. For example the address where you live, your parents phone number, your birthday, or what your favorite food is are all part of the long-term or declarative memory section of the hippocampus. (Neuroanatomy, 2008). The final stage of the hippocampus is procedural memory. Procedural memory are habits, or learn the skills that have developed through repetition. Driving the car, playing basketball, or typing are all part of procedural memory within the hippocampus. The significance of the hippocampus is that without the hippocampus new memories cannot be filed and the critical stages of retaining what is happening as it occurs cannot take place, (Neuroanatomy, 2008). The hippocampus is stored as a scroll type structure and it can be found in the medial temporal lobe of the brain. The hippocampus is divided by five distinct areas. The first is the dentate gyrus, followed by cornu ammonis 3, cornu ammonis 1, and cornu ammonis 2. There is a section called subiculum at the base of the hippocampus which is designed above the entorhinal cortex as related with the parahippocampal gyrus. When unique function of the hippocampus is that there is a single, one way direction of processed information as data is processed through the hippocampus. Information is first processed through the dentate gyrus, cornu ammonis 3, cornu ammonis 1, and then passes through the subiculum continuing forward to the entorhinal cortex, or sensory cortex. As the information is processed by the hippocampus it jumps a gap between the subiculum and dentate gyrus which is a distinct perforation or space between the two areas called the perforant path. The axons synapse within cells inside the dentate gyrus, then dentate neurons send axons to the mossy fibers or axon terminals in cornu ammonis 3. From cornu ammonis 3 Schaeffer collaterals axons are sent to cornu ammonis 1, which in turn sends fibers on to the subiculum. The subiculum sense axons by way of the hippocampus looping the information, returns the information to the sensory cortex, or returns information back to the entorhinal cortex. During this process memories are formed, (Hippocampus, 2008). Diseases of the hippocampus include anything restricting blood flow or oxygen to the hippocampus. The parts of the hippocampus that have been attacked effectively lose performance and sever the hippocampus circuitry. Those parts of the hippocampus which of lost oxygen are responsible for producing memory deficiencies. For example in Alzheimer's patient's hippocampus cycle may entirely skip the ecornu ammonis 1 section and effectively short circuit the cycle, (Hippocampus, 2008). Relationship between Learning and Memory Over many years of study, it has been found that the relationship between learning and memory is found in the structure of the brain called the hippocampus. This particular neural system helps the human be able to process information and store it for later use if necessary. Without memory, learning becomes a large struggle because humans would continually have to learn the same thing over and over again, having no place to put the information. Humans would be unable to use language or perform many tasks that are taken for granted in everyday life. Andrew Wickens, author of Foundations of Biopsychology, states: “Without learning and memory, humans would be mentally and psychologically dead.” (Wickens, 2005). Humans use learning each and every day. Perhaps a man wishes to learn to eat healthier, to teach himself to understand what nutrients are provided in vegetables and fruits. He will also teach himself to follow a guide to a schedule of healthy meals. Each process he learns to adapt healthier eating is stored in his memory and then later retrieved again to keep eating healthy. This man learned to cook some chicken in a lighter healthier way and he may want to do it again in a couple of days. His memory will serve to bring up the process it took to cook the chicken in the same manner again. Importance of Lifelong Learning to Longevity and Quality of Life Human beings need to stimulate their brains regularly with lifelong learning to ensure longevity and a high quality of life. The brain is an organ that needs to be exercised to stay in shape. The mind requires activities that will keep it sharp. By using the brain and challenging it with new information and learning new tasks, it remains stimulated and healthy. As people get older it is still possible to make new brain cells. Research over the past 10 years has shown that humans make many new brain cells everyday. For years it was thought that new brain cells ceased to be created after birth. Neurogenesis can happen at any age by novel mental challenges or stimulation (Mind Longevity 2008). Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s are diseases of the brain where the brain is no longer functioning in its correct capacity severely reducing the patient’s quality of life. A treatment for Parkinson’s is deep brain stimulation that can vastly improve the quality of the patient’s life (Waters, J. 2007). These are two examples of diseases that interfere with neurogenesis. Part of encouraging lifelong learning is to change the mindset of the older generations in society to stay engaged in activities and social situations. Educating the youth that of the importance of learning to maintain healthy brain function is crucial to changing the public’s mindset to longevity and brain functioning. To continue a high quality of life into a person’s golden years it is essential for the brain to continue to be stimulated and used. Conclusion The neuroanatomy of learning and memory are critical parts to understanding how significance the biological process of the hippocampus are in the psychology of learning and memory of a human being. Without the complete cycle within the hippocampus learning and memory is variably impaired. As important are the moral process related to learning and memory and the unique ways of responding to random circumstances in life. It is as critical that the process within the hippocampus is functioning properly as it is that the moral processes in learning and memory are disclosed with perspective and participation. The relationship between learning and memory is of upmost importance. Without learning, there would be no use for memory and without memory; the same things would need to be re-learned every day. Learning and memory are much of what make people human. Without them people would not be able to function or have relationships. Learning can never be taken for granted. Lifelong learning is very important. It keeps one’s skills sharp. Maybe it isn’t the fountain of youth, but it can make an older person seem younger. References Kohlberg's stages of moral development. (n.d.). Wikipedia. Retrieved March 04, 2008, from Answers.com Web site: http://www.answers.com/topic/kohlberg-s-stages-of-moral-development Learning. (n.d.). Wikipedia. Retrieved March 04, 2008, from Answers.com Web site: http://www.answers.com/topic/learning Memory. (n.d.). Wikipedia. Retrieved March 04, 2008, from Answers.com Web site: http://www.answers.com/topic/memory-psych-in-encyclopedia Mind Longevity. (n.d.). Retrieved March 6, 2008, from http://www.mindlongevity.com/qanda.aspx Neuroanatomy. (n.d.). Wikipedia. Retrieved March 04, 2008, from Answers.com Web site: http://www.answers.com/topic/neuroanatomy Hippocampus. (n.d.). Wikipedia. Retrieved March 04, 2008, from Answers.com Web site: http://www.answers.com/topic/hippocampus Waters, J. (2007, January). Deep-brain Therapy for Parkinson’s. World & I, 22 (1), 9-9. Retrieved March 6, 2008, from MasterFILE Premier database.