The Limbic System

Question 1

What is the limbic system?

Answer 1

the structures of the brain that are involved in behavioral and emotional responses

Question 2

What structures comprise the limbic system?

Answer 2

1. hippocampus
2. hypothalamus
3. amygdala
4. thalamus

“A hippo wearing a hat”

Question 3

What are the main functions of the hippocampus?

Answer 3

• formation of new memories

- turning short term into long term

Question 4

What happens if your hippocampus is damaged?

Answer 4

you will still retain your old memories, but you will be unable to make new ones

Question 5

What are the main functions of the amygdala?

Answer 5

-expression of fear, anxiety, stress, rage

Question 6

What is the response if the amygdala is stimulated?

Answer 6

heightens the response of rage

Question 7

What happens if the amygdala is damaged?

Answer 7

-the emotions are inhibited

Question 8

Where is the amygdala located?

Answer 8

the medial temporal lobe (2 almond shaped structures)

Question 9

What is Kluver-Bucy syndrome?

Answer 9

bilateral destruction of the amygdala resulting in hypersexuality, hyperorality, docility (imagine a tipsy person’s behavior take to the extreme)

Question 10

What is the relay station for integration of sensory information?

Answer 10

the thalamus

Question 11

True or False: vision is the only sense that bypasses the thalamus

Answer 11

False - smell bypasses the thalamus