The Limbic System & Other Brain

Question 1

Thalamus

Answer 1

A sensory relay for the brain—all senses minus smell are routed though here before being directed to other areas of the brain for processing.

Question 2

Limbic system

Answer 2

Involved in processing both emotion and memory—sense of smell projects directly to the limbic system. Smell can evoke emotional responses in ways that other sensory modalities cannot.

Question 3

Hippocampus

Answer 3

An essential structure for learning and memory.

Question 4

Amygdala

Answer 4

Involved in our experience of emotion and in trying emotional meaning to our memories.

Question 5

Hypothalamus

Answer 5

Regulates a # of homeostatic processes, including the regulation of body temperature, appetite, and blood pressure—serves as an interface the nervous system and the endocrine system and in the regulation of sexual motivation and behavior.

Question 6

Reticular formation

Answer 6

Centered in the midbrain—extends up into the forebrain and down into the hindbrain—important in regulation the sleep/wake cycle, arousal, alertness, and motor activity.

Question 7

Medulla

Answer 7

The automatic process of the automatic nervous system—breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate.

Question 8

Pons

Answer 8

Connects the hindbrain to the rest of the brain—regulates brain activity during sleep.

Question 9

Cerebellum

Answer 9

“Little brain”—receives messages from muscles, tendons, and joints and structures in our ear to control balance, coordination, movement, and motor skill. Important area for processing some type of memories—procedural memory, or memory involved in learning and remembering how to perform tasks.