Lecture 7 - Limbic System

Question 1

what is the structure of reticular formation?

Answer 1

three columns of nuclei (grey matter) along length of brain stem

Question 2

what is the reticular activity system?

Answer 2

sends impulses to cerebral cortex to keep it conscious and alert
filters out repetitive and weak stimuli (99%)

Question 3

what is motor function?

Answer 3

helps control coarse limb movements, reticular autonomic centers regulate visceral function

Question 4

what is the function of the limbic system?

Answer 4

• center for control of emotions
• control reproductive behaviour
• memory
• influences hormone release and ANS

Question 5

thalamus

Answer 5

sensory information from spinal cord synapses here before projecting to cerebrum

Question 6

amygdala

Answer 6

temporal lobe
adds emotion to memories
recognizes angry/fearful faces
elicits fear response

Question 7

what happens when amygdala is damaged?

Answer 7

loss of aggression, hypersexuality

Question 8

mamillary bodies

Answer 8

paired rounded swelling, emotional response to odor

Question 9

hippocampus

Answer 9

under temporal lobe, memory of recent events, learning, influences emotions

Question 10

cingulate gyrus

Answer 10

satiated satisfaction, resolves mental conflict, expressing emotions via gestures

Question 11

what happens when cingulate gyrus is damaged?

Answer 11

voracious appetite

Question 12

hypothalamus

Answer 12

coordinating and reflex centre, neuroendocrine response (sympathetic NS/pituitary hormones)

Question 13

what do the olfactory bulbs contain?

Answer 13

specialized neurons which are involved in the sensation of smell

Question 14

what is the olfactory tract?

Answer 14

bunch of sensory neurons carrying information regarding smell from the olfactory bulbs towards the brain