Limbic System and Pineal Gland Lecture Notes

Flashcards covering key concepts related to the limbic system, its structures, and functions, including the pineal gland.

Limbic System

A set of brain structures involved in emotions, memories, and arousal.

Hippocampus

A part of the limbic system that is essential for learning and memory, resembling a seahorse.

Amygdala

An almond-shaped structure in the limbic system involved in processing emotions and memories.

Thalamus

A relay center in the brain responsible for transmitting sensory information to the cerebral cortex.

Olfaction

The sense of smell, which is the first type of sense developed in animals.

Pineal Gland

An endocrine gland that produces melatonin and regulates sleep cycles.

Melatonin

A hormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates sleep cycles and responds to light exposure.

SAAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)

A type of depression that occurs at certain times of the year, typically in winter, due to reduced sunlight.

Hypothalamus

A region below the thalamus that regulates various physiological functions, including hunger, satiety, and body temperature.

Rage

An intense emotional response characterized by aggression, more extreme than simple anger.