RECONSOLIDATION Meaning and
Definition
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Reconsolidation refers to a process in which previously consolidated memories are recalled and subsequently undergo a period of instability, making them susceptible to modification or updating. This phenomenon arises from the understanding that memories are not fixed or immutable entities but can be modified or changed over time. When a memory is activated or retrieved, it becomes labile and subject to reorganization, allowing for the integration of new information or the reformulation of existing associations.
During reconsolidation, memories can be updated, modified, or even overwritten with new information or experiences, leading to the potential alteration of the original memory trace. This process is crucial in the ongoing modification of memories in response to new learning, new experiences, or the integration of additional information. Reconsolidation is believed to play a vital role in memory stability and flexibility, allowing for the adaptation and revision of memories in light of new information or changing contexts.
The mechanisms underlying reconsolidation are still not fully understood, but current research suggests that it involves neural processes that resemble those of initial memory consolidation, including protein synthesis and gene transcription. Experimental manipulations aimed at disrupting or enhancing the reconsolidation process have provided valuable insights into the malleability of memories and have potential implications for therapeutic interventions aimed at alleviating the impact of traumatic memories or unwanted associations.
In summary, reconsolidation refers to the dynamic process by which previously consolidated memories become temporarily unstable upon retrieval, allowing for potential modification or updating of the original memory trace.
Etymology of RECONSOLIDATION
The word "reconsolidation" is derived from the combination of two separate words: "re-" and "consolidation".
1. "Re-" is a prefix that indicates repetition or again. It comes from the Latin word "re-", meaning "back" or "again".
2. "Consolidation", on the other hand, originates from the Latin word "consolidare", which is a combination of "con-" (together) and "solidus" (solid). It refers to the act of making something firm, solid, or united.
So, when these two terms are combined, "reconsolidation" can be understood as the process of making something firm or solid again. In the context of memory research, "reconsolidation" refers to the idea that when a memory is recalled or reactivated, it becomes temporarily unstable and can be modified or reconsolidated into a new form.
Similar spelling word for RECONSOLIDATION
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