The limbic system is a complex set of structures found on the central underside of the cerebrum, including inner sections of the temporal lobes and the bottom of the frontal lobe. It is located where the subcortical structures meet the cerebral cortex. The limbic system combines advanced mental functions and basic emotion into a single system resulting in it often being called the emotional nervous system. It is the reason that some physical things such as eating seem so enjoyable to us, and why some medical condition such as high blood pressure are caused by mental stress.
The primary structures in the limbic system are the amygdala, hippocampus, thalamus, hypothalamus, cingulate gyrus and basal ganglia. All …show more content…
It is known as the emotional centre of the brain and is involved in evaluating the importance of situations and recognising potential threats. It is responsible for learning on the basis of reward and punishment and it helps prepare the body for fight-or-flight reactions by increasing the heart and breathing rate. Due to being close to the hippocampus, the amygdala is also involved in the variation of memory association, particularly emotionally weighted memories.
Hippocampus
The hippocampus is found deep in the temporal lobe and is seahorse shaped. It consists of two horns curving back from the amygdala, and plays an essential role in the formation of new memories about past experiences. It is considered to be responsible for memories that can be clearly expressed such as memory of facts and the memory of autobiographical events.
Damage to the hippocampus most commonly results in profound difficulties in forming new memories which is called anterograde amnesia. It may also affect access to memories formed prior to the damage which is called retrograde amnesia. Retrograde amnesia normally affects memories made some years prior to the brain damage, but in some cases, older memories remain intact. This indicates that over time, the hippocampus may become less important in the storage of