Practical 11 Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is the function of the Anterior Nucleus?
Involved in memory and learning.
What are the connections of the Anterior Nucleus?
Receives input from mammillary bodies; projects to cingulate gyrus (part of the limbic system).
What is the function of the Mediodorsal (MD) Nucleus?
Emotion, cognition, and decision-making.
What are the connections of the Mediodorsal (MD) Nucleus?
Receives input from amygdala and prefrontal cortex; projects back to prefrontal cortex.
What is the function of the Ventral Anterior (VA) & Ventral Lateral (VL) Nuclei?
Motor control.
What are the connections of the Ventral Anterior (VA) Nucleus?
Input from basal ganglia → premotor cortex.
What are the connections of the Ventral Lateral (VL) Nucleus?
Input from cerebellum → motor cortex.
What is the function of the Ventral Posterolateral (VPL) & Ventral Posteromedial (VPM) Nuclei?
Somatosensory relay.
What are the connections of the Ventral Posterolateral (VPL) Nucleus?
Body sensation (spinothalamic & medial lemniscus) → somatosensory cortex.
What are the connections of the Ventral Posteromedial (VPM) Nucleus?
Face sensation (trigeminal pathway) → somatosensory cortex.
What is the function of the Pulvinar?
Visual attention and integration of sensory information.
What are the connections of the Pulvinar?
Reciprocal connections with parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes.
What is the function of the Medial Geniculate Nucleus (MGN)?
Auditory relay.
What are the connections of the Medial Geniculate Nucleus (MGN)?
Inferior colliculus → auditory cortex.
What is the function of the Lateral Geniculate Nucleus (LGN)?
Visual relay.
What are the connections of the Lateral Geniculate Nucleus (LGN)?
Retina → primary visual cortex.
A patient is unable to recognize familiar faces, a condition known as prosopagnosia. Which brain region is most likely damaged?
Fusiform gyrus
A patient frequently gets lost, even in familiar environments, suggesting spatial memory issues. Which brain structure is likely affected?
Hippocampus
A patient struggles to interpret others’ facial expressions and emotional cues. What brain region is likely impaired?
Amygdala
A patient exhibits impulsive behavior and poor judgment, often acting without considering consequences. Which brain area is likely involved?
Orbitofrontal/ventromedial prefrontal cortex
