Neuronal Networks Responsible for Genetic and Acquired (Ontogenetic) Memory: Probable Fundamental Differences (original) (raw)

Functional capabilities of the two types of neuronal networks in the human brain, namely those formed on the basis of exclusively genetic information and those formed with the use of the experience stored within the lifetime, have been compared. It is stated that modifications of behavior based on accumulation of biologically and/or socially expedient experience may be provided only by neuronal networks formed with the involvement of psychic (mental) phenomena. It is assume (предполагается) that the process of using the experience accumulated within the ontogenetic development is accompanied by the formation of hierarchical functional relationships among neuronal networks of various cerebral structures. Within the framework of such hierarchical functional relations, synaptic connections, which perform functions well known from the neurophysiologic aspect, may also appear neuronal elements providing systemic effects on certain neuronal networks of other networks; these modulatory effects are realized with the involvement of mental phenomena, necessary for storing and using of the ontogenetic experience. It is obvious that memory (both genetic and onthogenetic) is one of the key attributes of life. It is also quite clear, however, that various forms of memory differ from each other not only by formal features (e.g., by volume of processed information), but also from the qualitative aspect. These forms of memory are realized on the basis of dissimilar principles and mechanisms of information processing. If we take into account the sequence of information operations in the brain, fixation of information, storage of the latter, and use in the organization of behavior, one other mechanism, as a rule, remains out of sight in most neurophysiological studies. It is impossible to ignore the fact that memory of a person is controlled, among other factors, by his/ her subjective preferences [1, 2]. A human being is inevitably subjectively biased against what is either biologically or socially significant. We believe that this statement should be an important methodological guideline for brain researchers. Human beings remember better those things that are