Functional Neuroanatomy Flashcards
What is the main function of the thalamus?
The thalamus filters and relays incoming sensory information to the appropriate brain regions.
How do the thalamus and cortex interact?
The thalamus and cortex have reciprocal connections, allowing for both bottom-up and top-down processing of information.
What is the primary role of the amygdala?
The amygdala is crucial for processing emotions, particularly fear, and triggering emotional responses.
How does the amygdala interact with the hippocampus?
The amygdala enhances the encoding of emotionally charged memories in the hippocampus.
What happens when the amygdala is damaged bilaterally?
Bilateral amygdala damage can result in the inability to feel fear, as seen in patient SM.
What is the main function of the hippocampus?
The hippocampus is essential for forming new declarative memories and spatial navigation.
What type of memory is impaired in patients with hippocampal damage?
Patients with hippocampal damage, like patient HM, experience anterograde amnesia - difficulty forming new memories.
Which part of the prefrontal cortex is most closely linked to emotional processing?
The ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) has strong connections with the limbic system and is involved in emotional regulation.
How does the late maturation of the prefrontal cortex contribute to human development?
The late maturation of the prefrontal cortex allows for an extended period of adaptability to cultural and social norms.
What can happen when the prefrontal cortex is damaged, as in the case of Phineas Gage?
Damage to the prefrontal cortex can lead to impairments in emotional regulation, decision-making, and social behavior.
How does chronic stress affect the brain, particularly the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex?
Chronic stress can lead to atrophy of the hippocampus and impair prefrontal cortex function, creating a vicious cycle that may contribute to depression.
What is neurogenesis, and how is it related to the treatment of depression?
Neurogenesis is the formation of new neurons. Antidepressant treatments appear to work, in part, by promoting neurogenesis in the hippocampus.
What is brain plasticity?
Brain plasticity, or neuroplasticity, refers to the brain’s ability to change and reorganize its structure and function in response to experiences and environmental factors.
How does the case of the man with only 10% of his brain remaining demonstrate brain plasticity?
Despite having only 10% of his brain, the man was able to function relatively normally, suggesting that the brain can adaptively rewire itself to compensate for damage.
Why is it important to understand that the brain works as an integrated network?
Understanding the brain as an integrated network emphasizes that cognitive functions arise from the coordinated activity of multiple brain regions rather than isolated structures.
