Learning and the Brain: The Wonder of Neurons

Learning occurs everyday, in fact, we learn new things even without actually taking any notice of it. Making associations between two things is learning, and is due to the action between neurons in the brain. Without neurons it is safe to say that learning wouldn't be possible. You wouldn't be able to speak or drive, you wouldn't even be able to play music or draw. The brain's neurons (brain cells) allow us to create associations that lead to learning, and this information is in turn stored in short and/or long term memory depending on rehearsal of the learned information.

Before getting into the process of creating associations, it is important to understand the anatomy of a brain cell. Neurons have several very distinct parts. The main section of the neuron is called the cell body, or soma. Extending from the cell body are small branch like extensions which serve in receiving information, these are called Dendrites. Opposite the dendrites is a extension called the axon. The axon is made up of a thin fiber sort of material and is protected by myelin, fatty bead-like insulation. At the end of the axon are finger-like extensions called buttons which serve to release information chemicals into the gap between one neuron and the next. The gap is called the synapses.

While all this may sound a little overwhelming now, as the process of sending and receiving information is explained it will be easier to understand the make up of the neuron. Essentially, learning is accomplished through connections being made between one neuron and another. Specific neurons recognize specific information, and through these neuron connections we are able to make associations and recognize information.

Communication between neurons is electrochemical, meaning it is based on electrically charged chemicals found within the nervous system (Melucci, 2004). In the case of neurons, calcium and sodium are used in the transmission of information from one neuron to the next. Neurotransmitters with the cell body are released and taken in by another neuron. From there, the neurotransmitter can either proceed down the cell body and axon of the receiving cell to be passed on to another cell (excitatory), or it can stay in the receiving cell (inhibitory). The neurotransmitter norepinephrine is responsible for memory and learning, among other things. The neurotransmitter dopamine is responsible for cognition, and acetylcholine is also responsible for memory. All in all, there are around 60 different neurotransmitters (Melucci, 2004).

In learning, an individual creates connections between neurons which cause electrochemical firings (release of neurotransmitters) between the neurons. These firings allow communication throughout the brain and from brain to body and body to brain. Every time one thinks this occurs, every time one moves this occurs. This is because neurons have communicated with the parts of the brain responsible for movement, memory, etc...

While learning requires remembering, which is a result of information rehearsal, the neurons allow for this information to be transmitted to the correct parts of the brain. Additionally, neurons form connections between information which forms learning associations. These are passed on to the long-term memory. This is why you think blue when you see the sky, or think orange and black when you see a tiger.

References:

Melucci, N. Ph.D. (2004). Psychology. Barron's Educational Series, Hauppauge, NY

Pinel, J., P.J. (2006). Biopsychology, 6^th Ed. University of British Columbia. Pearson.