limbic system

limbic system
limbic system n a group of subcortical structures (as the hypothalamus, the hippocampus, and the amygdala) of the brain that are concerned esp. with emotion and motivation

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a complex system of nerve pathways and networks in the brain, involving several different nuclei, that is involved in the expression of instinct and mood in activities of the endocrine and motor systems of the body. Among the brain regions involved are the amygdala, hippocampal formation, and hypothalamus. The activities of the body that are governed are those concerned with self-preservation (e.g. searching for food, fighting) and preservation of the species (e.g. reproduction and the care of offspring), the expression of fear, rage, and pleasure, and the establishment of memory patterns. See also reticular activating system.

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a term loosely applied to a group of brain structures common to all mammals (including the hippocampus and dentate gyrus with their archaeocortex, the cingulate gyrus and septal areas, and the amygdala), associated with olfaction but of greater importance in other activities, such as autonomic functions and certain aspects of emotion and behavior; see also rhinencephalon.

Medical dictionary. 2011.

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  • limbic system — n. (Anatomy, Neurophysiology) A group of neural structures in the brain below the cerebral cortex, centered on the hypothalamus and including the hippocampus and amygdala, involved with control of emotion, motivation, memory, and some homeostatic …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • limbic system — [lim′bik] n. a primitive part of the brain near the brain stem thought to control emotions, behavior, smell, etc …   English World dictionary

  • Limbic system — Infobox Brain Name = Limbic system Latin = GraySubject = GrayPage = Caption = The limbic system within the brain. Width = 200px Caption2 = IsPartOf = Components = Artery = Vein = BrainInfoType = ancil BrainInfoNumber = 247 MeshName = MeshNumber …   Wikipedia

  • limbic system — [ lɪmbɪk] noun a complex system of nerves and networks in the brain, controlling the basic emotions and drives. Origin C19: limbic from Fr. limbique, from L. limbus …   English new terms dictionary

  • limbic system — noun a system of functionally related neural structures in the brain that are involved in emotional behavior • Syn: ↑visceral brain, ↑limbic brain • Hypernyms: ↑neural structure • Part Meronyms: ↑fornix, ↑ …   Useful english dictionary

  • limbic system — a complex system of nerve pathways and networks in the brain, involving several different nuclei, that is involved in the expression of instinct and mood in activities of the endocrine and motor systems of the body. Among the brain regions… …   The new mediacal dictionary

  • limbic system — Those regions of the central nervous system responsible for autonomic functions and emotions. Includes hippocampus, amygdaloid nucleus and portions of the mid brain …   Dictionary of molecular biology

  • limbic system —    A functional, not physical, system in the brain, generally considered to mediate emotions with metabolism …   Herbal-medical glossary

  • limbic system — noun Date: 1952 a group of subcortical structures (as the hypothalamus, the hippocampus, and the amygdala) of the brain that are concerned especially with emotion and motivation …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • limbic system — Anat. a ring of interconnected structures in the midline of the brain around the hypothalamus, involved with emotion and memory and with homeostatic regulatory systems. [1950 55] * * * …   Universalium

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