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There are two main categories of learning: non-associative and associative learning. Both types of learning have sub classification; like non-associative mainly divided in habituation, sensitization and perceptual learning. Associative learning has subdivision of classical and operant conditioning learning. Various groups of neuron are motivated according to stimulation types. Habituation needs neutral and non-noxious stimuli which make less neurotransmitter substances to postsynaptic motor neuron, but for sensitization, the stimulation is biologically relevant that increase neurotransmitter substances to postsynaptic motor neuron. Visual stimulations increase the plasticity in different visual cortical areas and auditory/somatosensory stimuli increases glutamate and acetylcholine in auditory cortical areas. After training, condition stimuli increase the glutamate level between pre and postsynaptic neuron in the cerebellar circuit. Regarding operant conditioning, stimulation types are reward or punishment for behaviours. Reinforcement or reward learning system involves with dopamine in VTA and punishment system related to (5HT) in amygdala, hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.
About the author
Tahamina Begum and Faruque Reza, both are senior lecturer at the Department of Neurosciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). After completion of their MBBS from Bangladesh, they received their PhD from Japan, with Monobusho Scholarship. They are now living in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia.
