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Questions and Answers
What role does the limbic system play in reward and punishment?
What role does the limbic system play in reward and punishment?
Which part of the hypothalamus is identified as a major punishment center in the limbic system?
Which part of the hypothalamus is identified as a major punishment center in the limbic system?
Which of the following accurately describes the relationship between the limbic system and memory?
Which of the following accurately describes the relationship between the limbic system and memory?
What behavior is associated with strong stimulation of the punishment centers in the limbic system?
What behavior is associated with strong stimulation of the punishment centers in the limbic system?
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The limbic lobe is characterized as which part of the cortex?
The limbic lobe is characterized as which part of the cortex?
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Which neurological response is likely to occur due to minor irritating stimuli according to the content?
Which neurological response is likely to occur due to minor irritating stimuli according to the content?
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Which structures are intimately associated with the limbic lobe as part of the limbic system?
Which structures are intimately associated with the limbic lobe as part of the limbic system?
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What sensation is triggered by the stimulation of reward centers in the limbic system?
What sensation is triggered by the stimulation of reward centers in the limbic system?
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What behavior is typically observed in monkeys after bilateral destruction of the amygdaloid nuclei?
What behavior is typically observed in monkeys after bilateral destruction of the amygdaloid nuclei?
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What is the primary result of stimulation of the ventromedial hypothalamic nuclei?
What is the primary result of stimulation of the ventromedial hypothalamic nuclei?
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How does a lesion on one center of the limbic system affect the other center?
How does a lesion on one center of the limbic system affect the other center?
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Which emotion is specifically diminished by bilateral damage to the amygdaloid nuclei?
Which emotion is specifically diminished by bilateral damage to the amygdaloid nuclei?
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What role does the amygdaloid nucleus play in feeding behavior?
What role does the amygdaloid nucleus play in feeding behavior?
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Study Notes
Limbic System Overview
- The limbic system borders the neocortex and brain stem
- It comprises the limbic lobe (oldest part of the cortex) and associated deep structures
- It plays a crucial role in emotions, motivation, and behavior
Functions of the Limbic System
Reward & Punishment
- Stimulation of certain brain areas is highly rewarding, causing animals to ignore other stimuli in favor of continued activity
- Reward centers are located in the hypothalamus's lateral and ventromedial nuclei, linked with feelings of pleasure and satisfaction
- Punishment centers, particularly the periventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, trigger anger
- Less significant punishment centers include the amygdala and hippocampus, which elicit fear responses
Emotions
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Rage occurs with strong stimulation of punishment areas, especially the periventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus or the amygdala
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Human rage reactions involve frowning, fighting, and generalized sympathetic responses—for example, pupil dilation & pilomotor muscles activation
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Cats show similar responses (hissing, growling, tail elevation, etc.), along with biting and clawing
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Stimulation of the amygdala causes fear responses in animals
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Sham rage occurs after damaging animals' neocortex or the ventromedial hypothalamus.
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This shows how important the neocortex is in directing certain behaviors
Fear
- Stimulation of weaker punishment-related areas like the amygdala elicits fear
- Fear responses include: cowering, avoidance, sweating, pupil dilation, and turning the head to seek escape
- Bilateral destruction of the amygdala in monkeys causes a loss of fear responses to snakes
- They approach and even handle potentially dangerous snakes.
Placidity (the opposite of rage)
- Placidity—quietness, calmness, and mild reactions to provocation—is triggered by stimulation of the ventromedial hypothalamus or by bilateral damage to the amygdala
- In humans, bilateral amygdala lesions transform aggressive or agitated people into placid ones
Motivation & Behavior
Motivation
- The limbic association area is the main motivation control center, playing an essential role
Feeding Behavior
- The amygdala sorts foods into edible and inedible categories
- Damage to the amygdala can lead to hyperphagia (excessive eating) and consumption of inedible items
Sexual Behavior
- Sexual acts in lower animals are largely innate reflexes
- In humans, learned, psychological, and social factors significantly influence sexual behavior under limbic system influence
- Lesions in the amygdala area are associated with changes in sexuality in humans
Effects of Tranquilizers
- Tranquilizers inhibit rewarding and punishing sensations, reducing overall emotional reactivity
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Description
This quiz explores the key components and functions of the limbic system, including its role in emotions, motivation, and behavior. Learn about the reward and punishment centers, as well as the emotional responses associated with them.
