The limbic system is a complex set of structures that are above and around the thalamus, and just under the bark.It includes the hypothalamus, hippocampus, amygdala, and many other nearby areas.It seems to be primarily responsible for our emotional life, and has much to do with the formation of memories.
Hypothalamus:
The hypothalamus is a small part of the brain located just below the thalamus on both sides of the third ventricle. (The ventricles are areas within the crust that are filled with cerebrospinal fluid and connected to the spinal fluid).
It is located within two tracts of the optic nerve, and just above (and intimately connected with) the pituitary gland.
Hippocampus:
The hippocampus consists of two "horns" that curve from the area of the hypothalamus to the amygdala.
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If the hippocampus is damaged, a person can not build new memories, and lives in a strange place where everything they experience just fades away, even while older memories before the damage remain intact!
This very unfortunate situation is fairly well described in the wonderful movie Memento.
Amygdala:
The amygdala is a shaped dough two almonds are placed on both sides of the thalamus into the lower end of the hippocampus.
When stimulated electrically, animals respond with aggression.
And if the amygdala is removed, animals become very tame and do not ever respond to things that previously would have caused them anger.
But there is more to it than just anger: When removed, animals also become indifferent to stimuli that would otherwise have caused fear and even sexual responses.
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