N2 Forebrain And Limbic System

Question 1

The Diencephalon is made of:

Answer 1

Epithalamus (pineal gland, habenula)
Thalamus
Hypothalamus
Subthalamus

Question 2

Gateway to the cortex. A large number pathways relay here: All sensory (other than olfaction) pathways, cerebellum, basal ganglia, limbic system.
These systems use different parts so this structure is comprised of distinct nuclei.

Answer 2

Thalamus

Question 3

Identify the basic subdivisions of thalami nuclei:

Answer 3

1. Anterior division: Anterior Nucleus (AN)
2. Medial division: Dorsomedial (DM)/ Medial Dorsal (MD)
3. Lateral division: Dorsal tier, Ventral tier
4. Intralaminar: Centromedian, parafascicular, others
5. Reticular nucleus
6. Midline nuclei

Question 4

The subdivisions of thalamus nuclei are defined by this structure:

Answer 4

Internal Medullary Lamina

Question 5

All thalamic nuclei consist of:

1. ____: provide output from thalamus
2. _____: are small and inhibitory

Answer 5

Projection neurons

Interneurons

Question 6

The two basic types of thalamic inputs are:

Answer 6

1. Specific Inputs: convey info a thalamic nucleus passes on to cortex or other places
2. Regulatory Inputs: thalamic nucleus contributes to the info it receives before it is passed on to cortex

Question 7

List the three categories of thalamic nuclei:

Answer 7

1. Relay Nuclei
2. Association Nuclei
3. Intralaminar and Midline nuclei

Question 8

These nuclei receive well defined, specific input from a subcortical source and project to a well-defined area of cortex

Answer 8

Relay Nuclei

Question 9

These nuclei receive specific inputs from association cortex (e.g. Prefrontal cortex) and project back

Answer 9

Association Nuclei

Question 10

These nuclei receive distinct set of specific inputs (basal ganglia, limbic structures) and project back to cortex and basal ganglia, limbic structures

Answer 10

Intralaminar and Midline nuclei

Question 11

Reticular Nucleus is an important source of regulatory input to thalamus. No projections to cortex (UNIQUE).
Input:
Output:

Answer 11

Input: cortex and thalamus

Output: inhibitory axons to thalamus

Question 12

This structure is critical in autonomic, endocrine, emotional and somatic functions. Maintains physiological range or homeostasis.

Answer 12

Hypothalamus

Question 13

The superior hypophyseal a, a branch of ICA, supplies the capillary bed in the _____, and these capillaries drain into portal vessels in the _____

Answer 13

Infundibulum

Adenohypophysis (anterior lobe)

Question 14

The inferior hypophyseal arteries supply the ____, and the capillaries drain into the _____

Answer 14

Neurohypophysis (posterior lobe)

Cavernous sinus

Question 15

Generates feelings/emotions from sensory inputs, evolved to promote survival so activity varies depending on physiologic needs. Comprised of cingulate and parahippocampal gyrus, amygdala, hippocampus, etc.

Answer 15

Limbic System