The limbic system comprises several cortical and subcortical brain areas that are interconnected. This system essentially controls emotions, and the autonomic and endocrine responses associated with emotions. The limbic system also mediates the functions of self-preservation, i.e. the fight-or-flight reaction. Memory and learning, in addition to arousal and the sense of smell, are also controlled by the limbic system. Associated cortical and subcortical regions include the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, olfactory bulb, hypothalamus and amygdala, according to Dartmouth University.
Regulation of Emotion
The amygdalae are two round structures necessary for detecting and learning the parts of your environment that are important and that have emotional relevance. The amygdalae are crucial to produce emotion, especially negative emotions such as anxiety, fear and surprise. Negative emotions help to recognize harmful situations and emotional responses in others, according to The University of Tennessee.
The prefrontal cortex also controls emotional responses, in addition to judgment, puzzle solving and reasoning. It is the center of self-control and forecasts the consequences of your behavior, according to Dartmouth University.
Memory and Learning
The hippocampus is a region of the limbic system that is associated with short-term memory storage. There are two types of memory. Declarative memory refers to remembering facts and events. Non-declarative memory refers to learning movement patterns, or conditioned and emotional responses. Once a short-term memory is established, the information is transferred to other parts of the brain for long-term storage, according to Dartmouth University.
Arousal and Motivation
Arousal, or motivation, linked to an emotional response is controlled by the hypothalamus. Your drive to eat, have sex and seek rewards originates from this region, according to Wright State University.
Sense of Smell
The olfactory center has strong connections to the limbic cortex and amygdala; therefore, the sense of smell has strong associations with emotions. Certain smells can trigger memories of people, places and events, according to The Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
The Autonomic Nervous System
The hypothalamus regulates the autonomic nervous system, or ANS. The ANS controls the function of the organs and certain muscles under involuntary control. The ANS is important for the fight-or-flight response, characterized by the release of adrenaline, which allows you to quickly move when you are in danger. The ANS also allows you to relax and rest, according to Dartmouth and Washington Universities.
