Limbic System Amygdala, Hypothalamus, Thalamus

The limbic system is a set of brain structures located on top of the brainstem and buried under the cortex. Limbic system structures are involved in many of our emotions and motivations, particularly those that are related to survival such as fear and anger. The limbic system is also involved in feelings of pleasure that are related to our survival, such as those experienced from eating and sex. The limbic system influences both the peripheral nervous system and the endocrine system. Certain structures of the limbic system are involved in memory, as well: two large limbic system structures, the amygdala and  the  hippocampus, play important roles in memory. The amygdala is responsible for determining which memories are stored and where the memories are stored in the brain. It is thought that this determination is based on how large an emotional response an event invokes. The hippocampus sends memories out to the appropriate part of the cerebral hemisphere for long-term storage and retrieves them when necessary. Damage to this area of the brain may result in an inability to form new memories. Part of the forebrain known as the diencephalon is also included in the limbic system. The diencephalon is located beneath the cerebral hemispheres and contains the thalamus and hypothalamus. The thalamus is involved in sensory perception and regulation of motor functions (i.e., movement). It connects areas of the cerebral cortex that are involved in sensory perception and movement with other parts of the brain and spinal cord that also have a role in sensation and movement. The hypothalamus is a very small but important component of the diencephalon. It plays a major role in regulating hormones, the pituitary gland, body temperature, the adrenal glands, and many other vital activities. Limbic System Structures Amygdala:  the  almond-shaped mass of nuclei involved in emotional responses, hormonal secretions, and memory. The amygdala is responsible for fear conditioning or the associative learning process by which we learn to fear something.Cingulate Gyrus:  a fold in the brain involved with sensory input concerning emotions and the regulation of aggressive behavior.Fornix:  an arching, band of white matter axons (nerve fibers) that connect the hippocampus to the hypothalamus.Hippocampus:  a tiny nub that acts as a memory indexer – sending memories out to the appropriate part of the cerebral hemisphere for long-term storage and retrieving them when necessary.Hypothalamus:  about the size of a pearl, this structure directs a multitude of important functions. It wakes you up in the morning  and gets the adrenaline flowing. The hypothalamus is also an important emotional center, controlling the molecules that make you feel exhilarated, angry, or unhappy.Olfactory Cortex:  receives sensory information from the olfactory bulb and is involved in the identification of odors.Thalamus:  a large, dual lobed mass of gray matter cells that relay sensory signals to and from the spinal cord and the cerebrum. In summary, the limbic system is responsible for controlling various functions in the body. Some of these functions include interpreting emotional responses, storing memories, and regulating hormones. The limbic system is also involved in sensory perception, motor function, and olfaction. Source:Portions of this material adapted from NIH Publication No.01-3440a and Mind Over Matter NIH Publication No. 00-3592.