Question

New research on memory and how we remember shows that we may actually have mechanism designed to help us forget. In class we talked about how forgetting can be driven by the brain at the level of the neuron by

a. dendrites moving further apart.
b. blocking of synaptic activity
c. growth of spines on the dendrites
d. reduction in spines on the dendrites

Answer 1

The forgetting mechanism at the neuronal level that is most likely to drive memory loss is the reduction in spines on the dendrites. Dendritic spines are important for synaptic connections, which facilitate neural communication and memory consolidation. Disturbances in spine density can negatively impact memory.

Step-by-step explanation:

Forgetting and Neuronal Mechanisms:

Forgetting can be a complex process, and one mechanism at the neuronal level involves the reduction in spines on the dendrites. Dendritic spines are small protrusions on a dendrite that typically receive synaptic inputs. A decrease in the number of these spines can lead to less efficient synaptic connections, which may contribute to memory loss. This process aligns with the concept of synaptic plasticity, where our brain's network of neurons constantly adapts through formation and elimination of synaptic connections.

Neurotransmitters like epinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, glutamate, and acetylcholine play significant roles in memory formation and recall by facilitating communication among neurons. Memory consolidation is supported by the increased presence of neurotransmitters in the synapse, resulting from repeated neural activity. On the contrary, disturbances in synaptic activity or dendritic spine structure can contribute to the inadequacies of memory.