Where does learning occur according to neural basis for learning?

[lanilou15]

I wanted to know roughly where does learning occur as I'm covering Neural basis for learning in my textbook and there isn't a clear answer. Just wanted to make sure I didn't confuse myself too much thinking there is a definite spot or whether it's to do with the neurotransmitters released from a pre synaptic to post synaptic neuron.

[jyce]

Hey there,

There's definitely no specific learning centre of the brain. There are a whole range of different brain structures and circuitries that are involved in different aspects of learning, though. For example, the hippocampus is involved in the formation of long-term memories, which is obviously important for the retention of newly learnt skills. Another example is the fronto-striatial loops, which are involved in operant conditioning (this is an oversimplification). However, you don't need to know about these loops under the VCE Psychology course. And you're right about learning involving the release of neurotransmitters and their effects on post-synaptic neurons. For example, the release of glutamate can initiate a neural process known as long-term potentiation (LTP). LTP results in improved efficiency of transmission across synapses.

But to summarise, what you need to know is that, at the neural level, learning = structural/functional changes at synapses as a result of recurrent release of neurotransmitters at those synapses over time (i.e. LTP)

Hope this is helpful 

[lanilou15]

Thanks very much, fully appreciate it