Mod 4-Obj5: The limbic system

Question 1

The limbic system

Answer 1

A functional group: includes cerebral and hypothalamic nuclei, the hippocampus, all linked by a fibre tract (fornix)

Question 2

The limbic system facilitates…

Answer 2

memory storage and retrieval (hippocampus)

Question 3

The limbic system forms…

Answer 3

Our emotional brain

Question 4

The limbic system enables…conscious

Answer 4

Awareness of emotional states: links the prefrontal cortex with the hypothalamus
e.g.) helps us to be consciously aware of, and control, our emotions via logic and reasoning

Question 5

The limbic systems enables…physical

Answer 5

Response to emotional states

e.g.) helps us to assess danger and elicits the fear response via the hypothalamus and ANS

Question 6

Reticular formation

Answer 6

Extends through the central core of the brainstem

-Projection fibres to the cerebral cortex and other brain areas

Question 7

Reticular formation acts as a sensory filter…

Answer 7

Filters out repetitive, familiar or weak signals e.g.) the feeling of a watch
-Allows strong or unusual stimuli to reach cerebral cortex and consciousness e.g.) watch band breaks

Question 8

Reticular formation contains reticular activating system

Answer 8

• Maintains cortical alertness (consciousness) by regulating sensory input to the cerebrum
• Inhibited by sleep centres in the hypothalamus
• Depressed by alcohol
• Damage=coma