Week 4: Limbic system Flashcards
What does the term ‘limbic’ mean?
Border or edge; describes the ring-like arrangement around the corpus callosum.
What are the four basic functions of the limbic system?
Olfaction, Memory, Emotions/Drives, Homeostasis.
What is the mnemonic for the limbic system functions?
HOME: Homeostasis, Olfaction, Memory, Emotions.
What structure is responsible for olfaction in the limbic system?
Olfactory cortex.
What limbic structure is involved in memory formation?
Hippocampal formation.
Which structure is responsible for emotions and behavioral responses?
Amygdala.
What limbic structure regulates homeostasis and autonomic control?
Hypothalamus.
What cortical structures are part of the limbic cortex?
Parahippocampal gyrus, cingulate gyrus, medial orbitofrontal cortex, temporal pole, anterior insula.
What are the three components of the hippocampal formation?
Dentate gyrus, hippocampus proper, subiculum.
What is the function of the hippocampus?
Consolidation of short-term to long-term memory.
Where is the amygdala located, and what is its function?
Temporal lobe; emotion processing, especially fear and aggression.
What are the roles of the thalamus and hypothalamus in the limbic system?
Relay and regulation of autonomic, endocrine, and emotional functions.
What basal ganglia components are connected to the limbic system?
Nucleus accumbens and ventral tegmental area (VTA).
What role does the nucleus accumbens play?
Reward, motivation, and addiction.
What is the function of the septal nuclei?
Associated with reward and reinforcement.
What brainstem area involved in dopamine release connects to the limbic system?
Ventral tegmental area (VTA).
Which part of the basal forebrain is involved in the limbic system?
Cholinergic nuclei related to memory and arousal.
What are the limbic functions of the cingulate gyrus?
Emotional regulation, pain processing, and behavior initiation.
Which limbic structure is closely linked to the sense of smell?
Olfactory cortex.
What is the general role of the limbic system in behavior?
Integrates emotion, memory, motivation, and autonomic responses.
What are the two main components of the limbic cortex seen on the medial view?
Cingulate gyrus and parahippocampal gyrus.
What is the uncus and where is it located?
A visible bump on the anterior medial parahippocampal gyrus.
What gyri does the cingulate gyrus continue into anteriorly and inferiorly?
Subcallosal gyrus and paraterminal gyrus.
What limbic cortex region is linked with social behavior?
Medial orbitofrontal cortex.
