Question

Which of the following is a property of the mamillary bodies?

1) Shaped like little breasts
2) Controls reflex eating movements
3) Processes olfactory information
4) Located in posterior hypothalamus
5) All of the answers are correct

Answer 1

The mamillary bodies are part of the posterior hypothalamus with a role in memory and reflex eating movements, their name deriving from their breast-like shape. They do not process olfactory information. Therefore, the correct answer is 3) Processes olfactory information.

Step-by-step explanation:

The mamillary bodies are a pair of small round structures located on the underside of the brain as part of the limbic system. They are located within the posterior region of the hypothalamus, playing a role in memory processing and autonomic functions. The term "mamillary" refers to their resemblance to small breasts. Regarding the property descriptions provided:

1. The name 'mamillary bodies' is indeed derived from their resemblance to little breasts.
2. They are associated with controlling reflex eating movements.
3. The mamillary bodies do not process olfactory information; this function is associated with the olfactory bulb and cortex.
4. They are located in the posterior hypothalamus.

Therefore, the properties that accurately describe the mamillary bodies are their shape, reflex action in eating, and their location in the posterior hypothalamus. However, they don't process olfactory information; thus, the correct answer to the given question is options 1, 2, and 4, meaning not all answers provided are correct. Therefore, the correct answer is 3) Processes olfactory information.