The Limbic System
Anatomy: The limbic system consists of several brain structures, including the thalamus, hypothalamus, hippocampus, amygdala, basal ganglia, and cingulate gyrus. All of these structures are located in or around the thalamus, just under the cerebrum.
Function: The limbic system plays a huge role in various emotions, such as aggression, fear, pleasure and also in the formation of memory. The pleasure system, which is involved in sexual arousal and the "high" experienced with drug use, is also located in the limbic system. Many believe that the connection between the limbic system and the prefrontal cortex is largely responsible for the pleasure felt when solving problems. Anatomy of the Limbic System |