The limbic system is a network of interconnected brain structures that regulate emotion, memory, motivation, behavior, and autonomic function. It links the cortex (thought) with the hypothalamus and brainstem (instincts and physiological responses. Its core functions are emotional regulation, memory formation and retrieval, olfaction (sense of smell), motivation and goal-directed behavior, and autonomic and endocrine responses to emotion.
The Hippocampus is located in the medial temporal lobe, and is crucial for forming new long-term declarative memories, and spatial memory. Damage can result in anterograde amnesia, which is the inability to form new memories.
The Amygdala is located anterior to the hippocampus, and its functions include fear processing, threat detection, waned emotional learning. It also tags memories with emotional salience, and it regulated aggression and social behavior. Hyperactivity of the amygdala is associated with anxiety and PTSD
Limbic System
