Images of functional neuroanatomy
Table of Contents
In order to best understand this atlas it is important to have a sense of the functional neuroanatomy of the brain. Over the next several pages there is a brief summary of the 5 major brain systems that relate to behavior, along with the general location seen on SPECT of these areas.
Neuroanatomy of the Limbic System
The Deep Limbic System
side view
Functions
sets the emotional tone of the mind
filters external events through internal states (emotional coloring)
tags events as internally important
stores highly charged emotional memories
modulates motivation
controls appetite and sleep cycles
promotes bonding
directly processes the sense of smell
modulates libido
Problems
moodiness, irritability, clinical depression
increased negative thinking
perceive events in a negative way
decreased motivation
flood of negative emotions
appetite and sleep problems
decreased or increased sexual responsiveness
social isolation
Basal Ganglia Neuroanatomy
The Basal Ganglia System
side view
Functions
integrates feeling and movement
shifts and smoothes fine motor behavior
suppression of unwanted motor behaviors
sets the body’s idle or anxiety level
enhances motivation
pleasure/ecstasy
Problems
anxiety, nervousness
panic attacks
physical sensations of anxiety
tendency to predict the worst
conflict avoidance
Gilles de la Tourette’s Syndrome/tics
muscle tension, soreness
tremors
fine motor problems
headaches
low or excessive motivation
Prefrontal Cortex Neuroanatomy
The Prefrontal Cortex
dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex
outside view
inferior orbital prefrontal cortex
outside view
inferior orbital prefrontal area
inside view
Functions
attention span
perseverance
judgment
impulse control
organization
self-monitoring and supervision
problem solving
critical thinking
forward thinking
learning from experience
ability to feel and express emotions
influences the limbic system
empathy
Problems
short attention span
distractibility
lack of perseverance
impulse control problems
hyperactivity
chronic lateness, poor time management
disorganization
procrastination
unavailability of emotions
misperceptions
poor judgement
trouble learning from experience
short term memory problems
social and test anxiety
Cingulate Gyrus Neuroanatomy
The Cingulate Gyrus
inside side view
Functions
allows shifting of attention
cognitive flexibility
adaptability
helps the mind move from idea to idea
gives the ability to see options
helps you go with the flow
cooperation
Problems
worrying
holds onto hurts from the past
stuck on thoughts (obsessions)
stuck on behaviors (compulsions)
oppositional behavior, argumentative
uncooperative, tendency to say no
addictive behaviors (alcohol or drug abuse, eating disorders, chronic pain)
cognitive inflexibility
obsessive compulsive disorder
OCD spectrum disorders
eating disorders, road rage
Temporal Lobe Neuroanatomy
The Temporal Lobes
side view
Functions
Dominant Side (usually the left)
understanding and processing language
intermediate term memory
long term memory
auditory learning
retrieval of words
complex memories
visual and auditory processing
emotional stability
Problems
Dominant Temporal Lobe
aggression, internally or externally driven
dark or violent thoughts
sensitivity to slights, mild paranoia
word finding problems
auditory processing problems
reading difficulties
emotional instability
Non-dominant Side (usually the right)
recognizing facial expression
decoding vocal intonation
rhythm
music
visual learning
Non-dominant Side (usually the right)
difficulty recognizing facial expression
difficulty decoding vocal intonation
implicated in social skill struggles
Either/Both Temporal Lobe Problems
memory problems, amnesia
headaches or abdominal pain without a clear explanation
anxiety or fear for no particular reason
abnormal sensory perceptions, visual or auditory distortions
feelings of déjà vu or jamais vu
periods of spaciness or confusion
religious or moral preoccupation
hypergraphia, excessive writing
seizures
Table of Contents
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