Chp. 11: Sensorimotor Function & Hippocampal Plasticity
Ovarian hormones can influence motor activity.
- review main components of the motor system
- consider role of hormones in altering motor responses by acting on neurons within the basal ganglia and cerebellum
- estrogen plays a major role in facilitating motor responses; an effect seen when comparing females at different stages of their estrus cycle or when comparing males and females
Hormones also can influence sensory perception.
Consider the role of hormones on the process of learning and memory.
- review the role of the hippocampus as an important structure involved in learning and memory processes
- consider the role of gonadal steroids in altering the morphology of neurons within the hippocampus, and possible differences that exist between males and females in learning and memory; we will also consider the role of adrenal hormones on the process of learning and memory, and the link between elevated levels of glucocorticoids, hippocampal damage and memory loss