Lesioning of the hippocampus during fear conditioning has
A) its greatest effect late in conditioning.
B) its greatest effect early in conditioning.
C) no effect unless NMDA receptor blockers are also used.
D) no effect.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Lesioning of the hippocampus during fear conditioning has its greatest effect early in conditioning. The hippocampus is known to play a critical role in the formation of new memories, including those related to fear conditioning. Lesioning the hippocampus disrupts the ability to form new memories and therefore impairs the ability to learn the association between a conditioned stimulus and an aversive outcome. This effect is most pronounced early in conditioning when learning is still taking place. Later in conditioning, the association between the CS and the aversive outcome is more firmly established and may be less dependent on hippocampal function.

Lesioning of the Hippocampus During Fear Conditioning Has