Working memory (WM) refers to the ability to actively hold information in memory over a time scale of seconds. Further research focusing on these neurons could explain how working memory deteriorates with age, or why it is impaired in people with learning difficulties. In summary, this work uncovers how neurons in the auditory cortex underlie working memory. These results indicate that although the auditory cortex may not be involved in storing information for the entire working memory process, it is crucial for encoding of auditory information.

However, suppressing the activity of the auditory cortex cells in the later stages of the sound delay period had no effect on working memory. then manipulated this neurons to inactivate them for a fraction of a second after the first sound, which resulted in the animals’ working memory was impaired. This showed that neurons in the auditory cortex were active not only when the mice were presented with sound cues, but also for a short time during the delay period between sounds. trained mice to lick a water spout after hearing the same sound twice in a row, 1.5 seconds apart, and then measured the activities of the mice’s neurons. To find out whether the auditory cortex has a role to play in working memory, Yu, Hu, Shi et al. The auditory cortex, which processes sound, is one such candidate. However, there is increasing evidence that other parts of the brain which process sensory information also participate in retaining working memory. Lesions in that part of the brain also lead to profound deficits in working memory. This idea is supported by experiments showing sustained brain activity in the prefrontal cortex during working memory tasks. The prefrontal cortex – the front lobe of the brain – is likely the main hub of working memory, since it is responsible for executive functions, such as decision making and planning. It is a fundamental component of cognition, and yet it remains unclear where working memory is stored in the brain. Working memory is the ability to hold information in your head for a few seconds while making decisions, planning or applying logical reasoning to problem solving.

Auditory cortex ap psychology