Psychology and Sociology: Limbic System

Question 1

Limbic system

Answer 1

A complex set of structures that reside below the cerebrum on either side of the thalamus

Question 2

Amygdala

Answer 2

-Small round structure that signals the cortex about stimuli related to attention and emotions
-Processes the environment, detects external cues, and learns from the person’s surroundings in order to produce emotion

Question 3

Thalamus

Answer 3

-Functions as a preliminary sensory processing station and routes information to the cortex and other appropriate areas of the brain

Question 4

Hypothalamus

Answer 4

-Located below the thalamus and synthesizes and releases a variety of neurotransmitters
-By controlling the neurotransmitters that affect mood and arousal, the hypothalamus largely dictates emotional states

Question 5

Hippocampus

Answer 5

-Within the temporal lobe, is primarily involved in creating long-term memories
-The storage and retrieval of emotional memories is key in producing an emotional response
-Emotional memory: the storage of the actual feelings of emotion associated with an event; when experiencing a similar event later on, these emotions may be retrieved

Question 6

Prefrontal cortex

Answer 6

-Anterior portion of the frontal lobes and is associated with planning intricate cognitive functions, expressing personality, and making decisions
-Also receives arousal input from the brainstem

Question 7

Dorsal prefrontal cortex

Answer 7

associated with attention and cognition

Question 8

Ventral prefrontal cortex

Answer 8

-connects with regions of the brain responsible for experiencing emotion
-Ventromedial prefrontal cortex: thought to play a substantial role in decision making and controlling emotional responses from the amygdala