Neurobiology and Pathophysiology Flashcards
What is the Limbic System and what is it responsible for/key to?
Series of brain structures bordering the cerebral cortex
Links executive mental fxns w/ primitive emotions
Key to: learning, memory, emotions, and behavior
Connects physical and emotional states
Why eating seems pleasurable, how mental stress raises BP
What is the amygdala? (shape, essential to, purpose, closely connected to)
“Almond” shaped and sized; emotional center of the brain
Fear center: process emotional valence of stimuli, immediate rxn to threats
Initiates sympathetic “fight or flight” response via hypothalamus
Closely connected to hippocampus, enhances emotional memory
What is the Hippocampus? (shape, essential to, purpose)
“Seahorse”shaped; essential role in formation of new memories
Coordinates/connects memories, emotions, and sensory input
Short term memories converted to long term via “Long Term Potentiation”
What is the Thalamus? What does it do?
Sensory “way-station” and coordination of motor output
What is the Hypothalamus? What does it connect? What does it regulate (x6)?
Connects nervous system to endocrine system via pituitary
Regulates autonomic NS (sympathetic/parasympathetic)
Regulates: temp, hunger, thirst, attachment, circadian rhythm
What is the Cingulate Cortex? What does it do?
Executive branch of the limbic system
Process thoughts, sensory input, emotion, memories, learning→ behavior
What does Autonomic NS Dysregulation result in, in regard to sympathetic and parasympathetic responses?
Overactive Sympathetic response “Flight or Fight”
Excessive Parasympathetic tone “Rest and Digest”
Neuroendocrine System Dysregulation involves what two axes? What hormones do each axis consist of?
H-P-A Axis: CRH→ ACTH→ Cortisol, Adrenaline
H-P-T Axis: TRH → TSH → T4, T3
_____ and _____ are both known as “Stress Hormones”
Cortisol and Adrenaline
Adrenaline activates the (parasympathetic/sympathetic) NS, which (decreases/increases) HR and BP
SNS, increases
______ is cytotoxic to the hippocampus, and thus interferes with encoding and retrieving ______
Cortisol, memories
______ results in the dysfxn and dysregulation of systemic feedback loops
PTSD
In stress disorders, neurochemical changes include (decreases/increases) in catecholamines, such as ___ and ___, which leads to _____ in a person.
increases in dopamine and NE, which leads to hyperarousal/startle
In stress disorders, neurochemical changes include (decreases/increases) in serotonin, which results in decreased ______, interfering in ______ fxn.
decreases, 5HT, limbic system
In stress disorders, neurochemical changes include (decreases/increases) in amino acids such as GABA, which leads to _____, and (decreases/increases) in glutamate, which leads to _____.
decreases, anxiety
increases, dissociation
