>From what I have read, the reason epinephrine and norepinephrine are so crucial to memory is that both serve to maintain our brain in an alert state--one which is crucial for effective learning and memory consolidation. But, as John says (and I'm finally learning to make clear to my students), certain neurotransmitters have identified functions as well as certain brain structures have identified functions BUT our brain is a very fluid, complex and dynamic system. Therefore, what we cover in class relative to the function of neurotransmitters and brain structures is basically providing them with a "beginner's kit," as most complex brain activities involve a number of brain structures as well a number of different types of neurotransmitters.
Joan jwarm...@oakton.edu > >> No problem, Annette, hope the information is helpful. And I >> hope you enjoy the field trip. >> >> On the issue of memory and neurotransmitters, I don't blame >> you for trying to evade that issue. Which neurotransmitter is >> most important for memory? >> There is no answer to that overly simplified question. It >> would be like asking an economist, what factor is most >> important in determining our GDP? >> Or inflation rate? Or unemployment rate? The economists I >> know would cringe before trying to explain that, well, it's >> pretty complicated. There's more than one factor involved. >> >> John >> -- >> John Serafin >> Psychology Department >> Saint Vincent College >> Latrobe, PA 15650 >> john.sera...@email.stvincent.edu >> >> >> >> > From: <tay...@sandiego.edu> >> > Reply-To: "Teaching in the Psychological Sciences (TIPS)" >> > <tips@acsun.frostburg.edu> >> > Date: Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:06:54 -0400 >> > To: "Teaching in the Psychological Sciences (TIPS)" >> <tips@acsun.frostburg.edu> >> > Conversation: [tips] Physio questions >> > Subject: Re: [tips] Physio questions >> > >> > Thanks! I was having much trouble in validating these >> statements from the Body >> > Worlds exhibit. Since I had to get the handout of questions >> I wanted students >> > to find answers to, to our office staff I just omitted >> those two for now but >> > can revisit them during the field trip on Saturday. >> > >> > One thing that Body Worlds notes explicitly that I am going >> to gloss over as >> > if it wasn't there is a statement that the most important >> neurtransmitters for >> > memory are epinephrine and norepinephrine. I don't believe >> that is true at all >> > to the best of my knowledge; in fact I thought >> acetylcholine is more likely >> > implicated. But their statement is a very certainly >> provided statement and not >> > even an implicated statement.' >> > >> > On the other hand, I would highly recommend the exhibit to >> anyone who has a >> > chance to see it in their local communities, as it travels >> around the world. >> > It is a bit basic for college students, but then again, for >> most of them the >> > "review" is good :) especially for intro psych. >> > >> > Annette >> >> >> > > > --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly (bsouthe...@frostburg.edu)
