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