Anatomy of memory and emotion

Question 1

Define episodic memory

Answer 1

Recalling specific information presented in a specific context. It includes remembering events, conversations and experiences

Encoding into SHORT-TERM memory, consolidation in LONG-TERM and recall

Question 2

Outline the anatomy involved in consolidation in episodic memory

Answer 2

Parahippocampal gyrus provides link between hippocampus and neortex as for perception and imagery

The amygdala also links to the hippocampus. Its involved in modulation by emotion

The hippocampus is the central structure involved in episodic memory

Information passes from the hippocampus (via the fornix) to the mammilary bodies.

Then to the anterior thalamus for modulation by attentions

Question 3

Define semantic memory

Answer 3

Cenceptual understanding, categorisation, knowledge and information

Question 4

Outline the anatomy involved in semantic memory

Answer 4

Ventrolateral frontal controls retrieval of semantic information

Information passes to the anterior lateral temporal region which is the central structure involved in semantic memory. It functions to link things together particularly from

• various cortical areas
• posterior inferior temporal region (including fusiform) which has a role in categorising and is also linked to ventral visual stream

Also includes the neocortex: parts of a concept

Question 5

Define emotion

Answer 5

A strong feeling derived from ones circumstances, mood or relationships with others. Implicated in fear and reward

Question 6

Consider the anatomy involved in emotion

What is the central structure?

Answer 6

CENTRAL STRUCTURE AMYGDALA

Experience of emotion/evaluation of affective relevance

Both positive and negative emotion but ESPECIALLY fear

Question 7

Consider the anatomy involved in emotion, specifically the structures from which it receives input from

Outline the hippocampal-ventrolateral-amygdala link

Answer 7

Ventrolateral frontal - regulating, putting into context

Hippocampus- learning, emotional relevance, recalling emotion

Amygdala–> hippocampus–> VLF–> Amygdala

Question 8

Consider the anatomy involved in emotion, specifically the structures from which it receives input from

Outline the hypothalamus-viscera-insula-ventromedial frontal-amygdala link

Answer 8

Hypothalamus- Preparing for response (ANS)
Insula (anterior)- visceral ‘feelings’

Ventromedial frontal- regulating and putting into context

Amygdala–> hypothalamus –> viscera–> insula–> ventralmedial frontal –> amygdala

Question 9

Consider the anatomy involved in emotion, specifically the structures from which it receives input from

What is the role of the ventral tegmentum?

Answer 9

Ventral tegmentum is involved in learning reward

Information to:
NAcc- experience of reward
Ventromedial frontal- regulating and putting into context

Question 10

What anatomy is involved in emotionally-directed attention?

What anatomy is involved in emotional arousal?

Answer 10

Amygdala links to cortex, anterior cingulate

Aminergic nuclei