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Flashcards in The Limbic System Deck (13)
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1
Q

What is the limbic system?

A

A network of neurones that processes emotion and enables communication of structures involved in autonomic function with structures involved in awareness.

2
Q

List the components of the limbic system.

A

1 - Cortex.

2 - Cingulate gyrus.

3 - Hippocampus.

4 - Hypothalamus.

5 - Anterior thalamic nuclei.

6 - Amygdala.

3
Q

Where is the cingulate gyrus?

A

The cingulate gyrus is a curved fold that covers the corpus callosum.

4
Q

Where is the amygdala?

List the component nuclei of the amygdala.

A
  • The amygdala is close to the hippocampus in the frontal portion of the temporal lobe.

Component nuclei:

1 - Corticomedial nuclei.

2 - Central nucleus.

3 - Basolateral nuclei.

5
Q

List 2 functions specific to the amygdala.

A

1 - The amygdala controls fear.

2 - The amygdala is a site of entry for sensory information, and therefore facilitates emotional memory if a stimulus has sufficiently strong emotional content.

6
Q

What is the Papez circuit?

Describe the circuit.

How would a more modern revised circuit differ from the traditional Papez circuit?

A

The circuit formed by the components of the limbic system (amygdala not included as this was more recently discovered):

1 - The cingulate gyrus sends information to the hippocampus.

2 - The hippocampus sends information to the hypothalamus.

3 - The hypothalamus sends information to the anterior thalamic nuclei.

4 - The anterior thalamic nuclei sends information to the cingulate gyrus.

  • The cingulate gyrus and cortex are freely able to communicate with each other.
  • A more modern revised circuit would have the amygdala between the hippocampus and hypothalamus, where it acts as a site of entry for sensory information.
7
Q

Which area of the cortex is thought to have the strongest influence on the limbic system of all areas of the cortex?

A

The prefrontal cortex.

8
Q

With which structure does the limbic system communicate to elicit a behavioural response?

A

The periaqueductal grey area elicits a behavioural response.

9
Q

What is the role of the hypothalamus in the limbic system?

A

The hypothalamus can elicit an autonomic response to stimuli that excite the limbic system (e.g. sweating and shitting yourself when you see a big lion).

10
Q

What is the role of the cortex in the limbic system?

A

The cortex can elicit an emotional response to stimuli that excite the limbic system.

11
Q

List the structures of the limbic system that control aggression.

With which emotion might aggression share a neural pathway?

A

1 - Amygdala.

2 - Hypothalamus.

  • Aggression might share a neural pathway with fear.
12
Q

List 5 conditions that are linked to dysfunction of the amygdala.

A

1 - Anxiety disorders.

2 - PTSD.

3 - Depression.

4 - Autism.

5 - Aggression.

13
Q

Give an example of an experimental treatment for a condition relating to limbic system dysfunction.

A

Deep brain stimulation for depression.