FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY - Limbic System

Question 1

What are the six components of the limbic system?

Answer 1

Hippocampus
Amygdala
Fornix
Mammilary body
Septum
Cingulate cortex

Question 2

What is the primary role of the limbic system?

Answer 2

Processing and regulation of emotion, learning, memory and motivation

Question 3

What are the functions of the hippocampus?

Answer 3

The hippocampus is involved in the formation of spatial and explicit memories

Question 4

What are the two cell types within the hippocampus involved in spatial memory?

Answer 4

‘Grid’ cells
‘Place’ cells

Question 5

What is the function of the ‘grid’ cells within the hippocampus?

Answer 5

‘Grid’ cells are neurones which act as an internal coordinate system for spatial navigation

Question 6

What is the function of the ‘place’ cells within the hippocampus?

Answer 6

‘Place’ cells are neurones which fire when the individual reaches specific regions in their environment

Question 7

What is explicit memory?

Answer 7

Explicit memory is the retention of facts and events

Question 8

How does a hippocampus lesion usually present?

Answer 8

Anterograde amnesia (inability to retain any new explicit information)

Question 9

What are the functions of the amygdala?

Answer 9

The amygdala is involved in processing emotion and the formation of emotional memories, as well as regulation of the autonomic and endocrine systems

Question 10

How is the amygdala involved in the processing of fear and anxiety?

Answer 10

The amygdala integrates with multiple brain regions to process fear and anxiety through control of the stress response

Question 11

Which four structures does the amygdala have intricate connections with?

Answer 11

Hippocampus
Brainstem
Hypothalamus
Regions of the cerebral cortex

Question 12

How does an amygdala lesion usually present?

Answer 12

Inability to generate a coordinated representation of fear

Question 13

What is the function of the fornix?

Answer 13

The fornix connects the hippocampus to the mammillary bodies of the hypothalamus

Question 14

Which disease often causes malfunction in fornix signalling?

Answer 14

Multiple sclerosis

Question 15

What is multiple sclerosis?

Answer 15

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder which causes demyelination

Question 16

Which two diseases are also associated with fornix lesions?

Answer 16

Alzheimers
Schizophrenia

Question 17

Where are the mammillary bodies located?

Answer 17

The mammillary bodies are located on the hypothalamus

Question 18

What are the functions of the mammillary bodies?

Answer 18

The mammillary body is involved in recollective memory and
goal-directed behaviour

Question 19

How does a mammillary body lesion usually present?

Answer 19

Amnesia and decreased motivation

Question 20

What are the functions of the septum?

Answer 20

Septum controls emotional, aggressive and sexual behaviour as well as modulates the autonomic nervous system, attention and memory

Question 21

Which four brain regions send information to the septum?

Answer 21

Hippocampus
Amygdala
Hypothalamus
Mesencephalon

Question 22

How do septum lesions usually present?

Answer 22

Exaggerated reactivity to both appropriate and innocuous stimuli

Question 23

What are the functions of the cingulate cortex?

Answer 23

The cingulate cortex is involved in regulating emotion as well as planning and coordinating motor movements through integrating information from different brain regions

Question 24

How do cingulate cortex lesions present?

Answer 24

Emotional insufficiency and decreased ability to plan and coordinate motor movements