The Limbic system

Question 1

What is the limbic system?

Answer 1

It combines higher-order mental functions and primitive emotion into one system.

Question 2

What are the 6 structures of the limbic system?

Answer 2

1. Amygdala
2. Hippocampus
3. Thalamus
4. Hypothalamus
5. Basal ganglia
6. Cingulate

Question 3

Where is the amygdala located?

Answer 3

a small, almond-shaped collection of neurons located deep inside the temporal lobe that forms a crucial part of the limbic system

Question 4

What does the amygdala do?

Answer 4

a group of structures involved in emotional reactions. It is mainly responsible for processing fear

Question 5

What happens when there is damage to the amygdala?

Answer 5

Loss of fear response, impaired decision-making, memory loss, hypervigilance

Question 6

Where is the hippocampus located?

Answer 6

found deep in the temporal lobe and is shaped like a seahorse

Question 7

What is the role of the hippocampus?

Answer 7

It plays an essential role in the formation of new memories about past experiences. It is responsible for general declarative memory (memories that can be explicitly verbalized, such as memory of facts and episodic memory).

Question 8

What happens when the hippocampus is damaged?

Answer 8

can experience a loss of memory and a loss of the ability to make new, long-term memories. Associated with illnesses such as Alzheimer’s Disease and severe depression.

Question 9

Where is the thalamus located?

Answer 9

a structure comprising two egg-shaped globes within the forebrain

Question 10

What is the function of the thalamus?

Answer 10

primarily involved as a relay centre and filtering system for sensory and motor signals, as well as regulating arousal, attention and activity

Question 11

What happens when there is damage to the thalamus?

Answer 11

associated with risk of coma. Can lead to sensory changes in a body part. Can also cause movement disorders, lack of movement (motor disturbances)

Question 12

What is the hypothalamus linked to?

Answer 12

Links the nervous system to the endocrine system.

Question 13

What is the function of the hypothalamus?

Answer 13

Responsible for temperature regulation, controlling appetite, maintaining daily physiological cycles, regulating fluid balance, regulating blood pressure, regulating the autonomic nervous syste, managing sexual arousal, regulating emotional responses

Question 14

what happens when the hypothalamus is damaged?

Answer 14

Lesions to this area interfere with several unconscious functions (such as respiration and metabolism) and some so-called motivated behaviors like sexuality, combativeness, and hunger.
The lateral (side) parts of the hypothalamus seem to be involved with pleasure and rage, while
the medial (middle) part is linked to aversion, displeasure, and a tendency for uncontrollable and loud laughter.

Question 15

What is the function of the cingulate gyrus?

Answer 15

Coordinates smells and sights with pleasant memories, induces an emotional reaction to pain, and helps regulate aggressive behavior.

Question 16

What happens when there is damage to the cingulate gyrus?

Answer 16

May become angry or easily frustrated and have emotional or violent outbursts. Physiologically, individuals may experience chronic pain or display addictive behaviors such as drug or alcohol abuse and eating disorders. Also linked to attention deficit disorders, schizophrenia, psychiatric disorders, and autism.

Question 17

What are the functions of the basal ganglia?

Answer 17

functions include organizing motor behavior and coordinating rule-based, habit learning such as when to start or stop an action. Other roles include emotional behaviours, and it plays an important role in reward and reinforcement, addictive behaviours and habit formation.

Question 18

What happens when there is damage to the basal ganglia?

Answer 18

Problems controlling speech, movement, and posture (parkinsonism). Difficulty starting, stopping, or sustaining movement.