the neuroanatomy of emotion

Question 1

evolution of the brain

Answer 1

• Forebrain = conscious thought
• Limbic system = emotion
• Reptilian = reflexes

Question 2

what perceptions trigger emotion

Answer 2

Visual, auditory and olfactory perceptions can trigger emotions such as fear, disgust

Question 3

types of memory

Answer 3

working memory (prefrontal cortex)
explicit memory: episodic + semantic , implicit: skills + reflexes + emotional

Question 4

hippocampus

Answer 4

• Grey matter – hippocampus
• White matter – fornix
• Terminates in mammillary bodies
Function: used to do medial temporal lobectomy – anterograde amnesia (inability to lay down new memories)
Doesn’t apply to new skills, emotional memory, working memory

Question 5

hypothalamus

Answer 5

• Has neuroendocrine function e.g ADH, ACTH
Function:
• Coordinated drive related behaviour
• Through extensive connections to brain
• Through endocrine system

Question 6

mammillary bodies

Answer 6

• Crucial role in encoding new memories

Question 7

amygdala

Answer 7

• Receives highly processed information
• Produces instinctive emotional output
• Responsible for emotional memory
• Mediates fear responses