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Memory Processing:

The Role of the Hippocampus and Amygdala


Why?
Long-term memory is divided into declarative (explicit) or procedural (implicit) memory. Each
type involves different regions and processes in the brain. Declarative memory underlies the
learning of facts and experiences. You are relying on declarative memory when you study for a
test or play a trivia game. Procedural memory includes forms of motor memory. You are
relying on procedural memory when you swing a golf club or ride a bike. This lesson focuses on
declarative memory and the role of two important anatomical structures in the brain: the
hippocampus and amygdala.

Model 1 – Storing Sensory Information

1. The image in Model 1 shows sensory input into the cerebrum. Label the sketches that
represent the five different senses (i.e., sight, taste, touch, hearing, and smell) in the
image above.

Next to each sensory input below, identify which lobe initially receives that information?
Sensory Input Lobe of the Brain
Sight Occipital
Taste Parietal
Touch Parietal
Hearing Temporal
Smell Temp
2. What do you think the arrows represent in Model 1?
The part of the brain that controls the senses

3. The hippocampus is named for its resemblance to the tail of a seahorse (hippokampos is a
Greek term for seahorse). Label the hippocampus in Model 1.
The picture between the cerebrum diagrams.

4. Declarative memory is extremely complex; however, the memory processing is often


simplified into three steps:

● Encoding – the process of receiving and registering information in the lobes of


the cerebrum.
● Consolidation – the process of stabilization and strengthening of neural pathways
within the hippocampus, after initial acquisition of sensory information.
● Storage – the process that places newly acquired information into the cerebral
cortex for later retrieval.

Given this information, label the “encoding,” “consolidation,” and “storage” steps in
Model 1.
From left to right within the model

5. Is there one specific region, or lobe, where long-term memories are stored?
Yes, it is stored in the cerebral cortex

6. In 1953, 27-year-old Henry Molaison (now referred to as “H.M.” in medical texts)


underwent brain surgery in an attempt to reduce epileptic seizures. The surgery was
successful in that H.M. survived and his seizures were reduced. However, the procedure,
which involved the removal of H.M.’s hippocampus, had side effect on his memory.
What do you think happened to H.M.’s long-term memory and his ability to encode
sensory information?
H.M. lost the ability to store any new memories after his surgery.

7. The degree to which you pay attention to an event or information will affect how well
declarative memory is formed.
a. Describe how you might change the illustration in Model 1 to show a lack of
attention.
A change is by removing some of the arrows to show that some senses are not
responding
b. How could you change the illustration to show greater concentration or focus?
You make the arrows bolder.

8. Reading a textbook out-loud while writing notes will likely help you remember more
than reading the textbook silently while writing notes. Mark up the images in the box
below to illustrate these two cognitive events.

Reading a textbook out loud while writing notes:

There would be arrows to all the senses but smell and taste because there is no need to
smell or taste anything.

Reading a textbook silently while writing notes:

There would only be arrows for sight and touch because those are the only
senses being used.
Read This!
At the cellular level, memory is represented as changes in the structures and arrangement of
neurons. Neural pathways can become stronger or weaker depending on use. This strengthening
and weakening is often referred to as neuroplasticity, and can be the result of numerous
mechanisms. For example, synapses can be created or broken, the quantity of neurotransmitters
released into a synapse can be altered, and cells may change in how effectively they respond to
neurotransmitters. The average human cerebral cortex contains 40 billion neurons creating over
240 trillion synapses. That’s a lot of connections, many of which play a role in the
neurophysiology of storing (Model 1 above) and retrieving (Model 2 below) information.

Model 2 – Retrieving Information From Long Term Memory

9. As a group, identify two different examples of cues that stimulate the retrieval of
declarative memory. For example: You are asked to identify a specific bone structure on
an anatomy test.
- Smell of pho brings back memories of childhood and how good it is
- Taste of pho bringing back a specific memory

10. Where is long-term memory stored? (Recall from Model 1)


It is stored in the Cerebral Cortex

11. According to Model 2, which two structures communicate with the cerebral cortex to
control memory retrieval?
The structures are the Frontal lobe and the Hippocampus

12. Do these two structures (from question 13) communicate with each other? If so, in which
direction is information shared?
The Hippocampus receives information and transmit it to the Frontal Lobe, which sends
that information to the Cerebral Cortex to store.

13. As declarative memory is accessed over and over (repetition), what do you think would
happen to Steps 3 and 4 in Model 2?
Shortcuts would happen.

Read This!
The amygdala (you have two amygdalae) is an almond-shaped structure located immediately
anterior to the inferior aspect of the hippocampus. The amygdala is involved in controlling
emotions and motivation, and triggering changes in the body to respond to emotions. The
amygdala is especially recognized for its triggering of fear, stress or anger. When the human
body responds to stimuli that may be important in survival (such as: the presence of food,
potential mates, rivals, danger, etc.), the amygdala mediates these reactions. In addition, the
amygdala plays a key role in encoding and consolidating declarative memory by directing focus
to emotionally significant events.

Model 3 – Processing Information with an Emotional Component

Hippocampus

Amygdala

14. Circle and label the amygdala and the hippocampus in Model 3
The part next to the circle and brain.

15. As a group, list two unique emotional stimuli and two different emotional responses.
- Hunger - Angry or Tired
- Potential Mate- Excited, Sad, Aroused, or Love

16. If neuro-pathways bypass the amygdala, will they involve more or less emotional
response than if they do move through the amygdala?
Less emotional response because we do not think about it as much. Also, memories about
the emotion would not trigger.

Read This!
The brain is the most complex organ in the body, and the encoding and retrieval of information is
not completely understood. However, neuroscientists are beginning to understand the complex
process involved in retrieving memories that have an associated emotional response, and more
specifically, neural pathways between the frontal lobe, hippocampus and the amygdala.

Model 4 – Processing Information and Memories with an Emotional Component

17. Circle and label the hippocampus and the amygdala in the above model. How many
images of the hippocampus can be seen in Model 4? Is this accurate for human anatomy?
There are 2 images of the Hippocampus, this is not accurate because there is only one in
the brain

18. Where in the brain is an emotional stimulus initially processed?


In the Frontal Lobe of the brain

19. As a group, identify a positive emotional event, such as a wedding or terrific party, and
list two or three possible memories that someone might “associate” with that event.
(Example, the specific music (song) that was playing during the wedding.)
Homecoming- Dancing with friends or Songs played at the event, Pictures
20. Where in the brain are “associated memories” located?
It is in the Frontal Lobe and the Hippocampus

21. If a person has a damaged hippocampus, could they recall their mother’s name if given a
visual stimulus?
Not enough info, but yes. They will be able to remember their mother’s name because
that memory is already stored before the hippocampus got damaged.

22. If a person has a damaged amygdala, could they recall their mother’s name if given a
visual stimulus? As a group, hypothesize what they could not do?
They will remember their mother’s name, but their will not have any emotion connection
with it.
23. Your amygdala and hippocampus can work together to create rich memories. As a group,
hypothesize why it is easier to learn about topics you enjoy? How can a positive attitude
improve your memory?
We think that it is easier to learn when you enjoy something because you have a better emotional
connection to the subject and makes you want to relive that moment. A positive attitude can
improve your memory because having a good attitude can

Extension Questions

1. Using what you understand about neuroplasticity, explain why you think repetition helps
you memorize facts?

2. Students who are stressed, anxious, or have negative attitudes toward the content they’re
studying will have a much more difficult time learning the information. Explain why this
is true, using the terms: encoding, consolidation, storage, hippocampus, and
amygdala.

3. As a group, do you think you should listen to music, monitor your Twitter and Facebook
accounts, watch a YouTube video, and text your friends all while trying to prepare for a
math test? Explain.
4. Students in anatomy and physiology courses use to construct 10 to 15 pages of notes in
one 55-minute class. Student notes were generated while listening and watching the
instructor, who would explain topics while drawing and writing on a white board. Today
most anatomy and physiology courses are conducted with Power Point; students watch
the slides but do not take notes or attempt to draw figures. Which method of teaching/
learning do you think promotes more detailed memories? Which promotes better
understanding of anatomy and physiology?

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