NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL THEORY

Neurophysiological Theory of Learning

Abstract

In this paper, we try to explore the concept of neurophysiological theory in a holistic context. The paper discusses the neurophysiological theory and tries to relate it with the theories of cognitive learning and mental processes.

Outline

Thesis statement: The paper has to analyze the neurophysiological theories in terms of learning. The basic neurophysiology is to study the behavior of neurons or groups of isolated neurons.

Body of the paper: The body of the paper involves the different theories of learning that relates to mental processes. For example, cognitive theories of learning, and synergistic theories of learning. It has also presented theories of different theorists.

Conclusion: In the conclusion, the body of the paper is summarized and the also recommends the areas for future research.

Annotated Bibliography: The sources are provided from which the data is taken.

Neurophysiological Theory of Learning

Introduction

Neurophysiology is the branch of physiology that studies the nervous system. In any action, or conduct of any organism, is given the nervous system. Any change in development is the result of functional changes of the system. The neurophysiology is concerned with revealing how this complicated system and how it produces the variety of models that show organisms. However, despite advances in research, especially in biochemical and electrical aspects, there is the conviction that it is much more unknown (Shepherd 2003, 90).

Thesis Statement

The paper has to analyze the neurophysiological theories in terms of learning. The basic neurophysiology is to study the behavior of neurons or groups of isolated neurons.

The Body

The facts established by elemental neurophysiology, can be exploited by the mathematical theory of neural networks, to construct mathematical models to identify neurophysiological phenomena such as memory and learning. The main facts established by the basic neurophysiology taken into account in the construction of neural network models are a large number of brain neurons. The number of neurons in the human brain has been estimated to more than 10 or 11 neurons. Unlike other cells, also has dendrites and axon. The dendrites form a tree structure that may span vast areas of a large brain, the axon can have more than one meter in length. Neurons generate electrical potentials. The electrical potentials or action potentials, also called electrical pulses or voltage sparks are caused electrophysiological phenomena because the cell membranes of neurons are active properties that make them sensitive or excitable electrical potentials from other neurons. These electrical potentials usually originate at the end of the axon and propagate along the length of it. The electric potentials are the basic mechanisms for communication between neurons. Action potentials can be considered as electrical signals that a neuron sends. Each neuron receives signals from many other neurons (potential convergence) and in turn sends signals to many other (emerging potential) (Martin 2004, 78).

The junction between the axon of one neuron and the dendrites of another neuron is called a synapse. The synapse can be electrical or chemical. A chemical synapse consists of a transmitter and a receiver that is post-synaptic and pre-synaptic that is ...