Lecture 14: Limbic system

Question 1

Name the four main functions of the limbic system as well as the related structures.

Answer 1

Olfaction (olfactory cortex), memory (hippocamampus), emotions and drives (amygdala) and autonomic / endocrine functions (hypothalamus).

Question 2

Which three structures are involved in olfaction?

Answer 2

Olfactory bulbs, piriform cortex and amygdala.

Question 3

When it comes to emotions, which kind of stimuli are likely to be processed by the amygdala?

Answer 3

Pleasant and aversive stimuli.

Question 4

Apart from its role in emotions, what are other functions influenced by the amgydala?

Answer 4

Olfactory, autonomic and cognitive functions.

Question 5

Who is the only real friend of the poor hippocampus that is talking to him?

Answer 5

The entorhinal cortex.

Question 6

In Korsakoff’s syndrome, which brain area is likely to be affected? What do patients do to compensate for memory deficits?

Answer 6

Mamillary bodies. Patients start to comfabulate to compensate for memory deficits.

Question 7

Which brain regions, proximal to the hippocampus are involved in encoding object and which in encoding visuospatial information?

Answer 7

Perirhinal: objects.

Parahippocampal: visuospatial information.