Module 14 Limbic System Flashcards
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
Subcallosal area, Parahippocampal gyrus, Hippocampus, Cingulate cortex
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
Amygdala,Hypothalamus, Prefrontal cortex, Thalamic nuclei
Long-term potentiation involves activation of NMDA receptors, which allow Ca2+ (calcium) ions to enter cells of the hippocampus.
True
False
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.
Jon rode his bike to the park. This activity involves
A) Associative learning
B) Procedural memory
C) Semantic memory
D) Episodic memory
B) Procedural memory
Explanation
Riding a bike involves procedural memory, or knowing how to do something.
Korsakoff’s syndrome may result in memory loss due to recurrent seizures in the temporal lobe.
True
False
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.
Janet is listening to a neuroscience lecture and taking notes. This involves her short term working memory.
True
False
True
Explanation
This is true. This activity involves short-term maintenance and manipulation of information.
The Papez circuit includes the amygdala.
True
False
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.
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.
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.
In the higher order theory of emotional consciousness, subcortical survival circuits primarily generate emotions.
True
False
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.
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
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.
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
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.
The ventromedial prefrontal cortex amplifies fear responses from the amygdala, leading to increased stress and anxiety.
True
False
False
Explanation
This is false. The ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) is thought to suppress fear responses from the amygdala when activated.
Which pathway is involved in delayed gratification?
Mesocorticolimbic pathway
Orbitofrontal-striatal circuit
Ventromedial prefrontal-amygdala pathway
Anterior insula-anterior cingulate cortex circuit
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.
Which brain area is most strongly associated with intrinsic motivation?
Anterior cingulate cortex
Orbitofrontal cortex
Amygdala
Anterior insula
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.
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
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.
Which area of the brain is activated when we make autonomous decisions based on our preferences?
Hippocampus
Posterior insula
Amygdala
Ventromedial prefrontal cortex
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).
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
Answer: b) Suppression of amygdala responsiveness to fearful cues
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
b) Emotional processing and regulation
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
Answer: b) Memory encoding and retrieval, especially spatial memory
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
Answer: b) Olfactory processing and emotional regulation
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
Answer: b) Declarative memory formation
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
c) Conscious perception of emotions and emotional regulation
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
Answer: b) Amygdala
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
d) Involvement in reward circuitry
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
Answer: c) Nucleus Accumbens and Substantia innominata
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
B) Producing visceral responses to emotions
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
Answer: c) Midbrain (ventral tegmental area)
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
Answer: c) Integration and gating of information flow to cortex
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)
d) Short-term memory (working memory)
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
Answer: c) Episodic memory
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.
Answer: b) It is independent of personal experience.
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
Answer: d) Episodic memory
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
Answer: c) Episodic memory
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
Answer: b) Hippocampal formation
Which region predominantly receives input from the entorhinal cortex via the perforant pathway?
a) Dentate gyrus
b) Hippocampus proper
c) Subiculum
d) Mammillary bodies
Answer: a) Dentate gyrus
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
Answer: b) Fornix terminating in the mammillary bodies of the hypothalamus
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
Answer: a) Long-term potentiation
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.
Answer: d) They require significant depolarization to remove Mg++ and become activated.
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)
Answer: c) Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC)
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)
Answer: b) Ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC)
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
Answer: a) Processing information about rewards from the environment
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
Answer: c) Amygdala
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
Answer: c) Posterior insula
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
Answer: c) Detecting conflict and prioritizing attention
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
Answer: a) Orbitofrontal cortex (OFC)
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
Answer: c) Processing information about rewards from the environment
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
Answer: d) By regulating the endocrine system and autonomic nervous system
Which brain region is responsible for producing visceral responses to emotions?
a) Anterior insula
b) Hypothalamus
c) Posterior insula
d) Orbitofrontal cortex
Answer: b) Hypothalamus
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
Answer: c) By integrating information from the posterior insula with contextual information
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
Answer: c) Constructing a representation of how one feels
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
Answer: c) By integrating information from the posterior insula with contextual information
Which brain region is responsible for producing visceral responses to emotions?
a) Anterior insula
b) Hypothalamus
c) Posterior insula
d) Orbitofrontal cortex
Answer: b) Hypothalamus
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
Answer: c) Mesocortical projections
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)
Answer: d) Connecting the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to the prefrontal cortex (PFC)
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
Answer: b) Ventral tegmental area (VTA) to the nucleus accumbens, amygdala, and hippocampus
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
Answer: b) Mesolimbic projections
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
Answer: b) PFC (orbitofrontal cortex and dorsolateral
PFC) and the ventral striatum
(nucleus accumbens)
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
d) Helping with the choice of large delayed reward over small immediate reward
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
b) Delayed gratification
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
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
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
Answer: c) It maintains vmPFC activation even when receiving failure feedback
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
Answer: b) By suppressing fear responses from the amygdala
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
Answer: c) Value-based decision-making and rewards processing
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
Answer: a) Mental control over action and sustaining motivated action
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) Prefrontal cortex
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
Answer: c) Pursuing long-term goals
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) Engaging in a behavior because it leads to some separate consequence like gaining a reward
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
Answer: a) Anterior cingulate cortex
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
Answer: b) Doing a behavior because the activity itself is interesting and satisfying
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
Answer: c) Anterior insula
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
Answer: b) Competence, autonomy, and relatedness
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
Answer: b) Ventromedial prefrontal cortex
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
Answer: d) By making personal choices based on one’s sense of autonomy
What structures are included in the circuit of Papez?
- Cingulate cortex
- Thalams (anterior nucleus)
- Hippocampus
- Hypothalamus (mammillary bodies)
The primary brain area involved in the formation of declarative memories is the ?
- Amydala
- Ventral tegmental area
- Hypothalamus
- Hippocampus
Hippocampus (formation of long term memory)
