Limbic Brain Functions

The limbic brain consists of a system of several structures involved with emotions and memory. Often referred to as the "emotional brain," the limbic system contains the thalamus, hypothalamus, amygdala and hippocampus. Each structure in the limbic brain system interacts with other portions of the brain to perform specific functions.

Thalamus

• As part of the limbic brain system, the thalamus receives sensory information from different brain regions such as the cerebellum and basal ganglia. Neurons from the thalamus then relay the information to the cerebral cortex. The five areas of the thalamus receive specific sensory information, according to the California State University website. The lateral geniculate body receives visual information and the medial geniculate body obtains auditory information. The ventral posterolateral nucleus processes touch, temperature, pain and body position information. Motor information is received from the ventral lateral and ventral anterior body. Sensory information from the trigeminal nerve is collected from the ventral posteromedial nucleus.

Hypothalamus

• Located below the thalamus, the hypothalamus has several functions including homeostasis, the process of regulating an environment to maintain a constant and stable condition. The hypothalamus regulates feelings including thirst, sexual satisfaction, anger, hunger, pain and pleasure. It is also involved with the autonomic nervous system by regulating blood pressure, pulse, arousal and breathing after an emotional response, according to the Shippensburg University website. The hypothalamus can read the amounts of leptin, a protein released when a person overeats, in the bloodstream and react by diminishing the person's appetite. The hypothalamus is able to control and regulate functions by its connection to the pituitary gland, which releases hormones into the bloodstream.

Amygdala

• An almond-shaped structure of the limbic brain system, the amygdala controls moods of fear, aggression and rage. As the center for recognizing danger, the amygdala produces feelings of anxiety and fear when triggered, which is important for self preservation. After these feelings are produced, the body becomes alert and prepares for flight or fight. The Healing Center website claims the destruction of the amygdala results in indifference to danger while electrical stimulus causes violent aggression.

Hippocampus

• An important structure in the limbic brain system, the hippocampus converts short-term memory into permanent, long-term memory. When both sides of the hippocampus are destroyed, a person quickly forgets everything he experiences thereafter, but memories that occurred before the damage remain intact. According to the Healing Center website, a functioning hippocampus enables an animal to compare a current dangerous situation with a past experience, resulting in it choosing a solution that best guarantees survival.