ABSTRACT
There is evidence that simple learning can take place even at the level of the spinal cord. Such learning involves alteration of the firing patterns of neurons involved in reflexes and has been shown in rats whose spinal cords have been transected. The cerebellum has already been referred to in the discussion about the rabbit nictitating membrane response (see Topic P2). As a phylogenetically older part of the brain and a motor control center, the cerebellum is a likely candidate for a role in memory. There has been some debate about which part or parts of the cerebellum may be involved in memory formation and retention. The hippocampus is very easy to record from as it is a laminar structure. This means that it has a uniform cross-section. Cut the hippocampus anywhere perpendicular to its length and the cut end looks the same (as you would find doing the same to a cucumber).
