limbic system

noun

, Anatomy.

1. a ring of interconnected structures in the midline of the brain around the hypothalamus, involved with emotion and memory and with homeostatic regulatory systems.

limbic system

/ ˈlɪmbɪk /

noun

1. the part of the brain bordering on the corpus callosum: concerned with basic emotion, hunger, and sex

limbic system

/ lĭm′bĭk /

1. A group of interconnected structures of the brain including the hypothalamus, amydala, and hippocampus that are located beneath the cortex, are common to all mammals, and are associated with emotions such as fear and pleasure, memory, motivation, and various autonomic functions.

Word History and Origins

Origin of limbic system¹

First recorded in 1950–55

Word History and Origins

Origin of limbic system¹

C19 limbic, from French limbique, from limbe limbus, from New Latin limbus, from Latin: border

Example Sentences

It causes the brain to release large amounts of the chemical serotonin, which causes a euphoric effect, but it’s also been found to reduce activity in the brain’s limbic system, which controls our emotional responses.

From MIT Technology Review

Part of the limbic system plays a role in motivation and rewards.

From Science News For Students

The middle layer, called the limbic system, allegedly contains emotions inherited from ancient mammals.

From Nautilus

Information from the scent-processing olfactory bulb travels directly to the limbic system, which is thought to be associated with emotion and memory, said Harvard neuroscientist Venkatesh Murthy.

From Washington Post

At this point, kids tend to rely more on their limbic system.

From Science News For Students

In his scheme, the limbic system evolved alongside the developing social complexity of the mammals.

From The Daily Beast

The middle region, the limbic system, controls docile, loving emotions.

From Project Gutenberg