LIMBIC SYSTEM
Department of Physiology, Kursk State Medical University
Kartisha Poobalan – Group 27 ( 2 nd year 3 rd Semester )
Table of contents
1. Definition & Function
2. Components of limbic system : Parts and Functions
3. “Reward’ and ‘Punishment’ Function of limbic system
DEFINITION
The neuronal circuitry that control emotional behavior and motivational
drives
FUNCTION
BEHAVIOR
EMOTION
MOTIVATION
AL
Components
◦ Thalamus
◦ Amygdala
◦ Hippocampus
◦ Hypothalamus
◦ Cingulate Gyrus
◦ Parahippocampal gyrus
◦ Uncus
◦ Subcallosal gyrus
◦ Orbitofrontal cortex
Hypothalamus
◦ Major control headquarters of the limbic system
◦ It send the output signals in 3 directions :Downward to the brainstem
Upward toward many higher areas of diencephalon
and cerebrum
Into the hypothalamic infundibulum
REPRODUCT
IVE
INFLUENCE OF
EMOTION
REGULATE
WATER
INTAKE
ENDOCRINE
FUNCTIONS OF
HYPOTHALAM
US
REGULATE
FOOD INTAKE
AUTONO
MIC
CIRCADIAN
RHYTHM
TEMPERATURE
REGULATION
Amygdala
◦ Window of the limbic system: wide aff and eff connections
with visual and auditory association areas.
◦ Controls of fear and anxiety
◦ Control sexual desires
◦ Help to pattern the person’s appropriate behavioral
response
Hippocampus
◦ Forming new memories
◦ Provide long term memory
◦ Stimulation cause different behavioral patterns
◦ Hyperexcitable
Cingulate gyrus
coordinates
sensory input
with emotions
emotional
responses to
pain
maternal
bonding
regulates
aggressive
behavior
language
expression
communication
decision
making
Parahippocampal gyrus
Important role in spatial memory
and navigation
Uncus
Concerned with smell and taste.
Disease of this area can produce
hallucination of foul smell
Orbitofrontal cortex
Subcallosal gyrus
Important role in development of
major depression
Important role in conflict
resolution
Involved in stimulus-reward and
stimulus-outcome association
‘REWARD’ &
‘PUNISHMENT’
FUNCTION OF LIMBIC
SYSTEM
Reward Centers
◦ Located in
- Lateral nuclei of the hypothalamus
- Ventromedial nuclei of the hypothalamus
◦ Less potent in :- Hypothalamus
- Septum
- Amygdala
- Certain areas of the thalamus
- basal ganglia
- extending downward into basal tegmentum of the
mesencephalon
Punishment Center
◦ Areas for punishment and escape tendencies
1. Central gray area surrounding the aqueduct of Sylvius
2. Mesencephalon and extending upward
3. Periventricular zones of the hypothalamus and thalamus
4. Amygdala and Hippocampus
◦ Shows signs of displeasure, fear, terror, pain, punishment and even sickness
◦ Inhibits reward and pleasure centers completely
THANK YOU