Module 14 Limbic System Flashcards

1
Q

Select the structures that are in the first level of the limbic system.

a) Subcallosal area

b) Amygdala

c) Nucleus accumbens

d) Parahippocampal gyrus

e) Hippocampus

f) Orbitofrontal cortex

g) Cingulate cortex

A

Subcallosal area, Parahippocampal gyrus, Hippocampus, Cingulate cortex

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2
Q

Select the structures that are in the second level of the limbic system.

a) Amygdala

b) Hippocampal formation

c) Hypothalamus

d) Prefrontal cortex

e) Uncus

f) Thalamic nuclei

A

Amygdala,Hypothalamus, Prefrontal cortex, Thalamic nuclei

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3
Q

Long-term potentiation involves activation of NMDA receptors, which allow Ca2+ (calcium) ions to enter cells of the hippocampus.

True

False

A

True

Explanation

This is true. In the LTP process, glutamate that is released by the perforant pathway ultimately ends up activating NMDA receptors in hippocampal cells. This allows calcium to enter the cell. This calcium influx induces biochemical changes in the cell, such as the insertion of more glutamate receptors in the post-synaptic membrane, greater release of neurotransmitters, and dendritic spine growth. This results in synaptic plasticity – the more a circuit is activated, the easier it becomes to activate it, which results in learning and memory.

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4
Q

Jon rode his bike to the park. This activity involves

A) Associative learning

B) Procedural memory

C) Semantic memory

D) Episodic memory

A

B) Procedural memory

Explanation

Riding a bike involves procedural memory, or knowing how to do something.

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5
Q

Korsakoff’s syndrome may result in memory loss due to recurrent seizures in the temporal lobe.

True

False

A

False

Explanation

This is false. Memory impairment can occur in temporal lobe epilepsy due to recurrent seizures in the hippocampus. Korsakoff’s syndrome results from thiamine deficiency and is caused by alcohol abuse, dietary deficiencies, or the effects of chemotherapy.

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6
Q

Janet is listening to a neuroscience lecture and taking notes. This involves her short term working memory.

True

False

A

True

Explanation

This is true. This activity involves short-term maintenance and manipulation of information.

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7
Q

The Papez circuit includes the amygdala.

True

False

A

False

Explanation

The Papez circuit is an early view of the neuroanatomy of emotions and did not include the amygdala. The structures included in the circuit of Papez are the cingulate cortex, the hippocampus, the hypothalamus (mammillary bodies), and the anterior nuclei of the thalamus.

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8
Q

The mesocorticolimbic pathway (rewards system) involves dopaminergic projections from

the cingulate gyrus to the hypothalamus.

the substantia nigra to the basal nuclei.

the ventral tegmental area to the ventral striatum, amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex.

the entorhinal cortex to the dentate gyrus via the perforant pathway.

A

the ventral tegmental area to the ventral striatum, amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex.

Explanation

The mesocorticolimbic pathway (rewards system) involves dopaminergic projections from the ventral tegmental area to the ventral striatum, amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex.

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9
Q

In the higher order theory of emotional consciousness, subcortical survival circuits primarily generate emotions.

True

False

A

False

Explanation

This is false. In the higher order theory of emotional consciousness, both subcortical and cortical circuits contribute to the perception of emotions, through parallel-distributed processing.

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10
Q

Which area of the brain creates a conscious construction of how we feel (i.e. trust, empathy)?

Anterior cingulate cortex

Orbitofrontal cortex

Anterior insula

Ventral tegmental area

A

Anterior insula

Explanation

The anterior insula integrates information from the posterior insula to create a conscious representation of how we feel. This includes our “gut” feelings such as trust and empathy.

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11
Q

Which brain area integrates information from both the prefrontal cortex and the limbic system to detect conflict and inform decision making?

Posterior insula

Hypothalamus

Nucleus accumbens

Anterior cingulate cortex

A

Anterior cingulate cortex

Explanation

The anterior cingulate cortex integrates information from the prefrontal cortex and the limbic system to detect conflicts during problem solving. It helps to conduct cost-benefit analysis in order to inform decision making and action selection.

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12
Q

The ventromedial prefrontal cortex amplifies fear responses from the amygdala, leading to increased stress and anxiety.

True

False

A

False

Explanation

This is false. The ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) is thought to suppress fear responses from the amygdala when activated.

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12
Q

Which pathway is involved in delayed gratification?

Mesocorticolimbic pathway

Orbitofrontal-striatal circuit

Ventromedial prefrontal-amygdala pathway

Anterior insula-anterior cingulate cortex circuit

A

Orbitofrontal-striatal circuit

Explanation

The orbitofrontal-striatal circuit is a pathway between the PFC (orbitofrontal cortex and dorsolaleral cortex) and the ventral striatum (nucleus accumbens). This pathway is involved in delayed gratification. Activation of the nucleus accumbens (rewards system) increases focus on obtaining immediate rewards. The OFC and DLPFC help to inhibit immediate gratification in order to achieve long term goals.

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13
Q

Which brain area is most strongly associated with intrinsic motivation?

Anterior cingulate cortex

Orbitofrontal cortex

Amygdala

Anterior insula

A

Anterior insula

Explanation

Intrinsic motivation activates the anterior insula, which is involved in constructing how we feel. This relates to the positive emotions that we feel when we engage in something we enjoy doing.

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14
Q

Ronald enjoys gardening and feels motivated to work in his garden for several hours a week. This is an example of extrinsic motivation.

True

False

A

False

Explanation

This is false. Intrinsic motivation involves doing something due to interest and enjoyment in the activity itself while extrinsic motivation involves engaging in an activity for any other reason, such as gainingWhich an external reward or to avoid a punishment.

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15
Q

Which area of the brain is activated when we make autonomous decisions based on our preferences?

Hippocampus

Posterior insula

Amygdala

Ventromedial prefrontal cortex

A

Ventromedial prefrontal cortex

Explanation

Volitional decision-making (making personal choices) that are based on one’s sense of autonomy activates the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC).

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16
Q

Which function is associated with the Subcollosal area within the limbic lobe?

a) Auditory processing

b) Suppression of amygdala responsiveness to fearful cues

c) Visual processing

d) Motor coordination

A

Answer: b) Suppression of amygdala responsiveness to fearful cues

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17
Q

What is the primary role of the Cingulate gyrus within the limbic system?

a) Motor coordination
b) Emotional processing and regulation
c) Language processing
d) Auditory processing

A

b) Emotional processing and regulation

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18
Q

Which function is attributed to the Parahippocampal gyrus within the limbic system?

a) Olfactory processing
b) Memory encoding and retrieval, especially spatial memory
c) Visual processing
d) Motor coordination

A

Answer: b) Memory encoding and retrieval, especially spatial memory

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19
Q

What is the primary function of the Uncus within the limbic system?

a) Auditory processing
b) Olfactory processing and emotional regulation
c) Language processing
d) Motor coordination

A

Answer: b) Olfactory processing and emotional regulation

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20
Q

What crucial role does the Hippocampal formation play within the limbic system?

a) Emotional regulation
b) Declarative memory formation
c) Motor coordination
d) Visual processing

A

Answer: b) Declarative memory formation

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21
Q

What is the primary function of the Prefrontal & Orbitofrontal Cortex within the limbic system?

a) Motor coordination
b) Auditory processing
c) Conscious perception of emotions and emotional regulation
d) Olfactory processing

A

c) Conscious perception of emotions and emotional regulation

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22
Q

Which structure in the limbic system is responsible for the formation of emotional memories and basic drives?

a) Hippocampal formation
b) Amygdala
c) Septal nuclei
d) Thalamic nuclei

A

Answer: b) Amygdala

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23
Q

What role do the Septal nuclei play within the limbic system?

a) Language processing
b) Auditory processing
c) Emotional regulation
d) Involvement in reward circuitry

A

d) Involvement in reward circuitry

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24
Q

Which components are part of the limbic loop involved in reward circuitry?

a) Hippocampal formation and amygdala
b) Thalamic nuclei and hypothalamic nuclei
c) Nucleus Accumbens and Substantia innominata
d) Midbrain and Habenular nuclei

A

Answer: c) Nucleus Accumbens and Substantia innominata

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25
Q

What is the primary role of the Hypothalamic nuclei within the limbic system?

a) Motor coordination
b) Producing visceral responses to emotions
c) Language processing
d) Visual processing

A

B) Producing visceral responses to emotions

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26
Q

Which region of the brain serves as an important source of dopamine for the reward circuit within the limbic system?

a) Cingulate gyrus
b) Hippocampal formation
c) Midbrain (ventral tegmental area)
d) Parahippocampal gyrus

A

Answer: c) Midbrain (ventral tegmental area)

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27
Q

What is the primary function of the Thalamic and Habenular nuclei within the limbic system?

a) Emotional regulation
b) Motor coordination
c) Integration and gating of information flow to cortex
d) Olfactory processing

A

Answer: c) Integration and gating of information flow to cortex

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28
Q

What type of memory is primarily utilized when holding and manipulating information while studying for an examination?

a) Long-term declarative memory
b) Semantic memory
c) Episodic memory
d) Short-term memory (working memory)

A

d) Short-term memory (working memory)

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29
Q

Which type of memory involves the conscious recall of facts and events?

a) Short-term memory
b) Semantic memory
c) Episodic memory
d) Procedural memory

A

Answer: c) Episodic memory

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30
Q

What is characteristic of semantic memory?

a) It involves personal experiences.
b) It is independent of personal experience.
c) It is a type of short-term memory.
d) It is primarily used for holding and manipulating information.

A

Answer: b) It is independent of personal experience.

31
Q

Which memory type is exemplified by recalling specific events from personal experiences?

a) Semantic memory
b) Procedural memory
c) Short-term memory
d) Episodic memory

A

Answer: d) Episodic memory

32
Q

If you remember studying in the library with your study group before going out to eat, which type of memory is being utilized?

a) Semantic memory
b) Procedural memory
c) Episodic memory
d) Short-term memory

A

Answer: c) Episodic memory

33
Q

Which brain region is divided into three regions, including the subiculum, hippocampus proper, and dentate gyrus?

a) Entorhinal cortex
b) Hippocampal formation
c) Mammillary bodies
d) Septal nuclei

A

Answer: b) Hippocampal formation

34
Q

Which region predominantly receives input from the entorhinal cortex via the perforant pathway?

a) Dentate gyrus
b) Hippocampus proper
c) Subiculum
d) Mammillary bodies

A

Answer: a) Dentate gyrus

35
Q

What is the primary output pathway of the subiculum within the hippocampal formation?

a) Septal nuclei
b) Fornix terminating in the mammillary bodies of the hypothalamus
c) Fornix terminating in the medial frontal cortex
d) Fornix terminating in the nucleus accumbens

A

Answer: b) Fornix terminating in the mammillary bodies of the hypothalamus

36
Q

Which cellular process is characterized by the strengthening of synaptic connections, leading to memory formation?

a) Long-term potentiation
b) Short-term potentiation
c) Neurotransmitter inhibition
d) Synaptic pruning

A

Answer: a) Long-term potentiation

37
Q

What is the role of NMDA receptors in the process of long-term potentiation?

a) They activate in response to low-frequency stimuli.

b) They are activated by glutamate binding without requiring a voltage change.

c) They facilitate the influx of Mg++ ions into the post-synaptic neuron.

d) They require significant depolarization to remove Mg++ and become activated.

A

Answer: d) They require significant depolarization to remove Mg++ and become activated.

38
Q

Which brain region is primarily involved in goal representation, attentional control, and self-control?

a) Ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC)
b) Orbitofrontal cortex (OFC)
c) Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC)
d) Anterior cingulate cortex (ACC)

A

Answer: c) Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC)

39
Q

Which brain region assigns value to emotional inputs during decision-making and plays a role in risk assessment?

a) Orbitofrontal cortex (OFC)
b) Ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC)
c) Amygdala
d) Anterior cingulate cortex (ACC)

A

Answer: b) Ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC)

40
Q

What is the primary role of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC)?

a) Processing information about rewards from the environment
b) Resisting temptation and meeting long-term goals
c) Detecting conflict during problem-solving
d) Integrating interoceptive information from the viscera

A

Answer: a) Processing information about rewards from the environment

41
Q

Which brain region is responsible for creating emotional associations with stimuli in the environment?

a) Hypothalamus
b) Ventral striatum (nucleus accumbens)
c) Amygdala
d) Posterior insula

A

Answer: c) Amygdala

42
Q

Which brain region is responsible for creating a body-based “feeling state” by monitoring interoceptive information from the viscera?

a) Anterior cingulate cortex (ACC)
b) Orbitofrontal cortex (OFC)
c) Posterior insula
d) Amygdala

A

Answer: c) Posterior insula

43
Q

What role does the Anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) play in decision-making?

a) Processing information about rewards from the environment
b) Developing preferences and choosing between options
c) Detecting conflict and prioritizing attention
d) Monitoring interoceptive information from the viscera

A

Answer: c) Detecting conflict and prioritizing attention

44
Q

Which brain region is involved in developing preferences and choosing between options?

a) Orbitofrontal cortex (OFC)
b) Anterior cingulate cortex (ACC)
c) Posterior insula
d) Amygdala

A

Answer: a) Orbitofrontal cortex (OFC)

45
Q

What is the primary function of the Orbitofrontal cortex (OFC)?

a) Detecting conflict during problem-solving
b) Monitoring interoceptive information from the viscera
c) Processing information about rewards from the environment
d) Prioritizing attention and predicting consequences

A

Answer: c) Processing information about rewards from the environment

46
Q

How does the Hypothalamus contribute to regulating biological functions?

a) By constructing a representation of how one feels
b) By responding to natural rewards
c) By producing visceral responses to emotions
d) By regulating the endocrine system and autonomic nervous system

A

Answer: d) By regulating the endocrine system and autonomic nervous system

47
Q

Which brain region is responsible for producing visceral responses to emotions?

a) Anterior insula
b) Hypothalamus
c) Posterior insula
d) Orbitofrontal cortex

A

Answer: b) Hypothalamus

48
Q

How does the Anterior insula contribute to decision-making?

a) By regulating the endocrine system
b) By producing visceral responses to emotions
c) By integrating information from the posterior insula with contextual information
d) By processing information about rewards from the environment

A

Answer: c) By integrating information from the posterior insula with contextual information

49
Q

What is the primary function of the Anterior insula?

a) Regulating biological functions and responding to natural rewards
b) Processing information about rewards from the environment
c) Constructing a representation of how one feels
d) Monitoring interoceptive information from the viscera

A

Answer: c) Constructing a representation of how one feels

50
Q

How does the Anterior insula contribute to decision-making?

a) By regulating the endocrine system
b) By producing visceral responses to emotions
c) By integrating information from the posterior insula with contextual information
d) By processing information about rewards from the environment

A

Answer: c) By integrating information from the posterior insula with contextual information

51
Q

Which brain region is responsible for producing visceral responses to emotions?

a) Anterior insula
b) Hypothalamus
c) Posterior insula
d) Orbitofrontal cortex

A

Answer: b) Hypothalamus

52
Q
A
53
Q

Which pathway of is promotes goal-directed behaviors to seek out rewarding stimuli?
a) Mesolimbic projections
b) Dopamine pathway
c) Mesocortical projections
d) Mesocorticolimbic pathway

A

Answer: c) Mesocortical projections

54
Q

What is the primary function of the mesocortical projections?

a) Bringing awareness to stimuli that produced past rewards
b) Appraising the amount of reward a stimulus provides
c) Promoting goal-directed behaviors to seek out rewarding stimuli
d) Connecting the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to the prefrontal cortex (PFC)

A

Answer: d) Connecting the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to the prefrontal cortex (PFC)

55
Q

Which brain regions does the mesolimbic pathway connect?

a) Ventral tegmental area (VTA) to the prefrontal cortex (PFC)
b) Ventral tegmental area (VTA) to the nucleus accumbens, amygdala, and hippocampus
c) Prefrontal cortex (PFC) to the orbitofrontal cortex
d) Nucleus accumbens to the amygdala and hippocampus

A

Answer: b) Ventral tegmental area (VTA) to the nucleus accumbens, amygdala, and hippocampus

56
Q

Which pathway of the is primarily involved in appraising the amount of reward a stimulus provides?

a) Mesocorticolimbic pathway
b) Mesolimbic projections
c) Dopamine pathway
d) Mesocortical projections

A

Answer: b) Mesolimbic projections

57
Q

What brain regions are primarily involved in the orbitofrontal-striatal circuit?

a) Prefrontal cortex and amygdala
b) PFC (orbitofrontal cortex and dorsolateral
PFC) and the ventral striatum
(nucleus accumbens)
c) Hippocampus and nucleus accumbens
d) Ventral tegmental area and hypothalamus

A

Answer: b) PFC (orbitofrontal cortex and dorsolateral
PFC) and the ventral striatum
(nucleus accumbens)

58
Q

What is one of the key functions of the orbitofrontal-striatal circuit?

a) Processing sensory information
b) Regulating emotional responses
c) Mediating motor coordination
d) Helping with the choice of large delayed reward over small immediate reward

A

d) Helping with the choice of large delayed reward over small immediate reward

59
Q

Which term describes the function of the orbitofrontal-striatal circuit in choosing long-term rewards over immediate gratification?

a) Proactive inhibition
b) Delayed gratification
c) Impulse control
d) Reactive inhibition

A

b) Delayed gratification

60
Q

What is the primary function of the anterior insula-anterior cingulate cortex circuit?

a) Suppressing fear responses from the amygdala
b) Processing sensory information
c) Constructs a representation of how one feels; Integrates information from the posterior insula with contextual information (environment, task, people) to make emotional judgements (trust, anxiety, empathy); creates a global “feeling state” that
guides decision-making
d) Regulating motor coordination

A

Answer: c) Constructs a representation of how one feels; Integrates information from the posterior insula with contextual information (environment, task, people) to make emotional judgements (trust, anxiety, empathy); creates a global “feeling state” that guides decision-making

61
Q

How can making choices based on one’s preferences during a task affect ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) activation?

a) It increases vmPFC activation regardless of feedback
b) It decreases vmPFC activation regardless of feedback
c) It maintains vmPFC activation even when receiving failure feedback
d) It has no effect on vmPFC activation

A

Answer: c) It maintains vmPFC activation even when receiving failure feedback

62
Q

How is the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) implicated in conditions like PTSD?

a) By enhancing fear responses from the amygdala
b) By suppressing fear responses from the amygdala
c) By activating the anterior insula
d) By mediating motor coordination

A

Answer: b) By suppressing fear responses from the amygdala

63
Q

What is the primary function of the ventromedial prefrontal-amygdala pathway?

a) Suppressing fear responses from the anterior insula
b) Regulating motor coordination
c) Value-based decision-making and rewards processing
d) Processing visual information

A

Answer: c) Value-based decision-making and rewards processing

64
Q

What is volition in the context of motivation?

a) Mental control over action and sustaining motivated action
b) Awareness of emotions and making decisions based on anticipated consequences
c) Suppressing fear responses from the amygdala
d) Processing sensory information

A

Answer: a) Mental control over action and sustaining motivated action

65
Q

Which brain region is involved in exerting mental control and problem-solving during volitional actions?

a) Prefrontal cortex
b) Hippocampus
c) Amygdala
d) Thalamus

A

a) Prefrontal cortex

66
Q

What role does the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex play in self-regulation and goal pursuit?

a) Generating goals and intentions
b) Monitoring conflict and integrating emotions
c) Pursuing long-term goals
d) Experiencing one’s actions and interpreting the experience

A

Answer: c) Pursuing long-term goals

67
Q

How is extrinsic motivation defined?

a) Engaging in a behavior because it leads to some separate consequence like gaining a reward
b) Mental control over action and sustaining motivated action
c) Awareness of emotions and making decisions based on anticipated consequences
d) Suppressing fear responses from the amygdala

A

a) Engaging in a behavior because it leads to some separate consequence like gaining a reward

68
Q

Which brain region helps determine if a reward is worth the effort in extrinsic motivation?

a) Anterior cingulate cortex
b) Ventromedial prefrontal cortex
c) Amygdala
d) Hippocampus

A

Answer: a) Anterior cingulate cortex

69
Q

What characterizes intrinsic motivation?

a) Engaging in a behavior for external rewards or incentives
b) Doing a behavior because the activity itself is interesting and satisfying
c) Exercising choice in one’s behavior
d) Feeling effective in developing mastery in activities

A

Answer: b) Doing a behavior because the activity itself is interesting and satisfying

70
Q

Which brain region is activated by intrinsic rewards and may modulate the formation of rewarding memories?

a) Ventral striatum
b) Anterior cingulate cortex
c) Anterior insula
d) Ventromedial prefrontal cortex

A

Answer: c) Anterior insula

71
Q

What are the basic psychological needs that support intrinsic motivation?

a) Confidence, independence, and social integration
b) Competence, autonomy, and relatedness
c) Motivation, determination, and perseverance
d) Social recognition, material wealth, and achievement

A

Answer: b) Competence, autonomy, and relatedness

72
Q

What brain region is associated with volitional decision-making based on one’s sense of autonomy?

a) Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex
b) Ventromedial prefrontal cortex
c) Anterior cingulate cortex
d) Orbitofrontal cortex

A

Answer: b) Ventromedial prefrontal cortex

73
Q

How does autonomous self-regulation contribute to decision-making and conflict resolution?

a) By activating the ventromedial prefrontal-amygdala pathway
b) By suppressing fear responses from the amygdala
c) By interacting with the ventral striatum during rewarding decisions
d) By making personal choices based on one’s sense of autonomy

A

Answer: d) By making personal choices based on one’s sense of autonomy

74
Q

What structures are included in the circuit of Papez?

A
  • Cingulate cortex
  • Thalams (anterior nucleus)
  • Hippocampus
  • Hypothalamus (mammillary bodies)
75
Q

The primary brain area involved in the formation of declarative memories is the ?

  • Amydala
  • Ventral tegmental area
  • Hypothalamus
  • Hippocampus
A

Hippocampus (formation of long term memory)