Types of Cerebral White Matter Fibers

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Questions and Answers

Which cortical region is associated with social reward?

Insular cortex

What is the main function of the hippocampal formation?

Memory conversion and learning

Where is the hippocampal formation located?

Behind the amygdala and medial to the inferior horn of the lateral ventricle

What is the function of the fornix?

To connect the two hippocampi Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is involved in emotional responses such as rage and aggression?

Amygdala Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the septal nuclei?

To mediate pleasure and addiction Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of association fibers?

Connecting one part of the cerebral cortex to another part in the same hemisphere Signup and view all the answers

Which type of fiber connects the cerebral cortex to the subcortical nuclei?

Projection fibers Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the largest bundle of nerve fibers that connects the anterior part of the frontal lobe to the occipital and temporal lobes?

Superior longitudinal fasciculus Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the part of the corpus callosum that connects the orbital cortices?

Rostrum Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the corpus callosum?

Crossing the midline and connecting one part of a hemisphere to the corresponding part of the opposite hemisphere Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the part of the corpus callosum that connects the parietotemporal cortices?

Body Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the uncinate fasciculus?

Connecting the inferior frontal lobe gyri to the temporal lobe Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the part of the corpus callosum that connects the occipital cortices?

Splenium Signup and view all the answers

What can be observed when the corpus callosum is severed during an experimental procedure?

The experimenter receives two different answers from each side of the brain. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the anterior commissure?

To interconnect the olfactory bulbs and tracts of the two hemispheres. Signup and view all the answers

What is the location of the habenular commissure?

In the superior lamina of the stalk of the pineal gland. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the posterior commissure?

To regulate the pupillary light reflex. Signup and view all the answers

What is the direction of the corticopetal fibers?

Ascending (afferent) Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure that separates the cerebral cortex from the brainstem?

Internal capsule Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the amygdala?

Processing motivationally significant stimuli and social functions Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is responsible for forming recognition memory?

Mammillary bodies Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the hippocampal formation?

Converting short-term memories to long-term memories Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the insular cortex?

Processing social emotions Signup and view all the answers

Which disorder is associated with damage to the hippocampal formation?

Anterograde amnesia Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the septal nuclei?

Reward and pleasure center Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is involved in processing olfactory information?

Olfactory pathways Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the anterior thalamic nucleus?

Motivation and emotional regulation Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the visual pathway carries fibers from lower retinal quadrants?

Temporal radiations (Meyer's loop) Signup and view all the answers

Where do the cochlear fibers end in the auditory pathway?

Cochlear nuclei Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the pretectal nucleus in the visual pathway?

Pupillary light reflex Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the limbic system?

Regulating behaviors related to primitive life objectives Signup and view all the answers

Where is the medial geniculate body located?

Metathalamus Signup and view all the answers

What is the term 'limbic' derived from?

Latin word for 'border' or 'edge' Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the structure that surrounds the corpus callosum?

Limbic lobe Signup and view all the answers

Where do the dorsal fibers of the cochlear pathway cross?

Pontine tegmentum Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Cerebral White Matter Fibers

Association Fibers: connect one part of the cerebral cortex to another part in the same hemisphere
- Short: U-shaped, pass from one part of a gyrus to another part of the same gyrus or adjacent gyrus of the same lobe
- Long: run long distances between cortical areas of different lobes, forming visible nerve bundles
  - Superior longitudinal fasciculus: largest bundle of nerve fibers, connects the anterior part of the frontal lobe to the occipital and temporal lobes
  - Cingulum: within the white matter of the cingulate gyrus, connects frontal and parietal lobes with the parahippocampal gyrus
  - Inferior longitudinal fasciculus: from the occipital to temporal lobes
  - Uncinate fasciculus: from the inferior frontal lobe gyri to the temporal lobe

Commissural Fibers

Corpus Callosum: connects one part of a hemisphere to the corresponding part of the opposite hemisphere
- Rostrum: tapered anterior end, connects the orbital cortices
- Genu: sharp backward bend, connects frontal cortices
- Body (trunk): largest, convex upwards, connects parietotemporal cortices
- Splenium: thick rounded posterior end, connects occipital cortices
Anterior Commissure: interconnects olfactory bulbs/tracts of the 2 hemispheres
Posterior Commissure: interconnects parahippocampal gyri and other parts of the temporal lobe (for memory coordination)
Habenular Commissure: coordinates response to anxiety, pain, reward, stress, sleep, etc.
Posterior Commissure: may be involved in the pupillary light reflex

Limbic System

Hippocampal Formation: located in the temporal lobe, involved in memory conversion/learning
Fornix: a "C" shaped major tract of the hippocampal formation, begins from each hippocampus, and continues as a conjoined mass beneath the corpus callosum
- Anterior fibers run to the septal nuclei near the lamina terminalis
- Posterior fibers run to the mamillary bodies
Amygdala: involved in rage/aggression
Septal Nuclei: pleasure/addiction center
Cingulate Gyrus: involved in social reward
Parahippocampal Gyrus: involved in memory coordination

Projection Fibers

Ascending (Afferent) Fibers: from the cerebral cortex to the subcortical nuclei in the cerebral hemispheres, and with nuclei in the diencephalon, brainstem, and spinal cord
Descending (Efferent) Fibers: from the cerebral cortex to the subcortical nuclei in the cerebral hemispheres, and with nuclei in the diencephalon, brainstem, and spinal cord
Corona Radiata: parts and switches of projection fibers
Visual Pathways: from the retina to the lateral geniculate body, and then to the primary visual cortex
Auditory Pathways: bilateral cerebral perception, from the organ of Corti to the auditory cortex (temporal lobe)

Disorders

Limbic System Related Disorders:
- Amygdala: anxiety, autism, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, phobias
- Hippocampal Formation: anterograde amnesia, Alzheimer's disease, navigational disability
- Septal Nuclei: neuropsychiatric disorders (Schizophrenia, Bipolar, OCD)
- Mammillary Bodies: prosopagnosia (face blindness)
- Insular Cortex: addictive behavior