Which structure in the limbic system is correctly paired with its function?

A) Thalamus: the site of long-term memory storage

B) Hippocampus: serving to integrate diverse sensory information for

transmission to the cerebral cortex for processing

C) Hypothalamus: releasing hormones to control various physiological

processes

D) Amygdala: coordinating the flow of emotions from brainstem to cerebral

cortex

Click to reveal answer

The limbic system is composed of various structures within the

human brain (including the thalamus, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and amygdala)

and is a powerful player in emotion and memory, among other functions.

Answer C is correct because the hypothalamus is an endocrine organ, meaning

that it secretes hormones (steroid messengers) that control the functions of other

organs and tissues. The hypothalamus releases hormones including thyrotropinreleasing hormone, corticotropin-releasing hormone, dopamine, gonadotropinreleasing hormone, among others. The hypothalamus also plays an important role

in the body’s ability to regulate temperature, thirst, blood pressure, libido, the

sympathetic nervous system, and more.

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Day 156 MCAT Practice Question