Limbic System

Question 1

what is the function of the limbic system

Answer 1

links sensory input and emotional memory
links visceral states to environment
driving motivated behavior

Question 2

what is the function of the amygdala

Answer 2

links thalamic and cortical input to behavioral responses to threatening sensory input

Question 3

what results in damage to the amygdala

Answer 3

altered fear, aggression, and sex related behavior (kluver-bucy syndrome)

Question 4

what is the function of the lateral amygdala

Answer 4

receives:
- unprocessed sensory input from the thalamus
- processed sensory input from the neocortex, including emotional significance of sensory input

Question 5

what is the function of the central amygdala

Answer 5

• sends efferents to hypothalamus and brainstem
• affects motor, autonomic and endocrine responses to sensory input

Question 6

describe the autonomic output of the amygdala

Answer 6

mediated by the hypothalamus

Question 7

describe the endocrine output of the amygdala

Answer 7

mediated by hypothalamus and pituitary

Question 8

describe the motor/emotional output of the amygdala

Answer 8

mediated by periaqueductal gray area in the brainstem

Question 9

what is the “low road” for sensory input to the amygdala

Answer 9

thalamus –> lateral amygdala
- fast response
- may be prone to error
- emotion related responses/behaviors based on sensory input directly from the thalamus

Question 10

what is the “high road” for sensory input to the amygdala

Answer 10

thalamus -> sensory corticies -> lateral amygdala
- emotion related responses/behaviors in response to stimuli that have been processed by the cortex
- slower response
- drives more appropriate emotional responses

Question 11

what is the amygdala’s involvement in anxiety

Answer 11

• amygdala stores emotional memories that do not have a strong conscious component
• may be involved in maladaptive emotions that occur in absence of clear triggers

Question 12

what is the nucleus accumbens

Answer 12

• part of ventral striatum
• serves as limbic-motor interface
• processes limbic input and contributes to motivated behaviors
• part of reward pathway

Question 13

what is the location of the cingulate cortex

Answer 13

cortical gyrus directly above the corpus callosum and some adjacent cortical areas

Question 14

what is the function of the cingulate cortex

Answer 14

• motivated behaviors
• regulating attention
• regulation of autonomic function
• conscious perception of pain

Question 15

what is the orbitofrontal cortex

Answer 15

helps guide behavior based on past rewards and punishments

Question 16

what does damage to the orbitofrontal cortex cause

Answer 16

damage is associated with blunted or inappropriate emotions, poor judgement, failure to inhibit maladaptive behaviors