A brain model with the circuit to convert short-term memory into long-term memory.
Assuming the existence of encoding synapses which record presynaptic axonal 'on-off' patterns as the contents of memory, and the existence of modulating synapses which help encoding synapses develop long-term potentiation and depression so as to convert short-term memory into long-term memory, it is possible to outline a brain model according to neuroanatomy. The loop of memory-conversion consists of the axons connecting the perceptive cortices, mesotemporal lobes, dorsomedial nuclei of thalamus (which also receive axons from septohippocampal complex and, indirectly, fornices), and prefrontal lobes. The contents of thought, feeling, dreaming, hallucination, and delusion all result from activation of different axonal 'on-off' patterns in many sets of synapses, and retrieval of memory, reactivation of the presynaptic axonal 'on-off' patterns in the correlating sets of synapses. In this model, degenerated synapses may be responsible for the thought disorder of schizophrenia.
Wong
C W
CW
Department of Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung Medical College, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China. c1951@ms12.hinet.net
D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D003243:Consciousness; D006801:Humans; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D008570:Memory, Short-Term / Q000502:physiology*; D008959:Models, Neurological; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000502:physiology; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D012153:Retention, Psychology / Q000502:physiology; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology