CNS - subcortical structures

Question 1

subcortical structure

Answer 1

• embedded in the white matter of the cerebral hemispheres

Question 2

Thalamus

Answer 2

• Often referred to as the “gateway to the cortex,” as input from most of our sensory systems (vision, hearing, touch, and taste) travels first to the thalamus
• Directs sensory info the diff lobes in the cerebral cortex

DAMAGE: results in not being able to interpret sensory info and thus sensory confusion

Question 3

Basal Ganglia

Answer 3

• several large structures involved with voluntary movement that curve around the cup to the thalamus
• receives substantial input from all areas of the cerebral cortex and from motor structures located in the brainstem -> proceeds to send info to the cortex

DAMAGE: Parkinson’s disease, OCD, ADHD (inadequate control of voluntary movement)

Question 4

Hypothalamus

Answer 4

• collection of structures involved with motivation and homeostasis or the regulation of body functions (temp, thirst, hunger etc)
• contributes to the 4Fs (fleeing, feeding, fighting and fornification)
• Controls the pituitary gland – connects the endocrine system with the nervous system
• carries out tasks by directing the automatic nervous system and the endocrine system and its hormones

DAMAGE: homeostasis or the regulation of body functions lowered

Question 5

Hippocampus

Answer 5

• formation of long-term memories
• involved in the storage and retrieval of memories located elsewhere in the brain

DAMAGE: impairments in ability to form new memories (but memories, intelligence that happens before damage will be kept intact)

Question 6

Cingulate Cortex

Answer 6

• forms a fold in tissue on the surface of each cerebral hemisphere
• Forward 2/3 of cortex: Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC) - control of automatic nervous system & plays imp role in decision making, emotion, anticipation etc
• Remaining 1/3: Posterior Cingulate Cortex (PCC) - memory and visual processing

DAMAGE:

Question 7

Amygdala

Answer 7

• deeply embedded in temporal lobe
• has role in identifying, remembering and responding to fear and aggression

DAMAGE: lose their fear in something

Question 8

Nucleus Accumbens

Answer 8

• imp part of the brain’s reward and pleasure circuitry
• circuit originates in cell bodies located in the midbrain that form connections with many subcortical structures and with the nucleus accumbens