The Limbic System Flashcards
Which structures make up the limbic system?
Orbito-frontal cortex, cingulate cortex (frontal and parietal lobes) and parahippocampal cortex (from medial temporal lobe) AND hippocampus and amygdala (subcortical aspects of the limbic system)
What is the function of the limbic system?
Reward and punishment as well as memory and learning (to adapt)
What is the blood supply to the limbic system?
Posterior and anterior cerebral arteries
Where in the brain do we deal with behaviour to an anticipated threat?
Between the anterior cingulate and orbitofrontal cortex (both parts of the limbic system)
What is the role of the anterior cingulate cortex?
Activated during experience of pain or depression
What is the role of the posterior cingulate cortex?
May be involved in visa-spacial memory
What is the role of the parahippocampal cortex?
Learning and memory
Where is the hippocampus located?
Along the medial wall of the inferior horn of the lateral ventricles
How is the fornix formed?
Output fibres from the hippocampus form the fornix
What is the function of the fornix?
Carries axons from the hippocampus to the septal nuclei and mamillary body of the hypothalamus
Outline Papez’s circuit (connection of the limbic structures)
Information from the cingulate cortex travels to the parahippocampal cortex, then to the hippocampus, then along the fornix to the mamillary bodies of the hypothalamus which then go to the anterior thalamus and then to the cingulate cortex
What is the purpose of the hippocampus and parahippocampus limbic cortex?
Label memories with where and when they occurred and transfer new experiences into long term memories
What is the consequence of damage to the hippocampus and parahippocampus limbic cortex?
Anterograde amnesia as these structures are involved in transferring memories into long-term memories
What is the purpose of the amygdala?
Receives input from temporal lobe about new stimulus (pleasure/pain/boring) to determine quality of pain so it can be stored in the memory, or stimulate fear response
Where is the amygdala located?
In the anterior medial temporal lobe
