Corpus: Limbic system

The limbic system is a phylogenetically very old part of the brain that is made up of several structures. It is credited with services such as controlling the functions of drive, learning, memory, emotions and vegetative regulation of food intake, digestion and reproduction.

Note: The limbic system is not the only place in the brain where these functions are generated.

The limbic system includes various structures, some of which are anatomically distant from each other and are characterised above all by the fact that they have a similar or common function:

• Corpora mamillaria
• Fornix cerebri
• Cingulate gyrus
• parahippocampal gyrus
• Hippocampus
• Corpus amygdaloideum
• Indusium griseum
• Subiculum
• Nucleus interpeduncularis

Corpus mamillare[Bearbeiten]

The corpus mamillare is primarily involved in memory formation as part of the Papez neuron circuit. It can also influence sexual functions.

Cingulate gyrus[Bearbeiten]

The cingulate gyrus can influence vegetative functions and is also responsible for the psychomotor and locomotor drive.

Parahippocampal gyrus[Bearbeiten]

This gyrus primarily serves to transmit information from other parts of the limbic system to the hippocampus. It is also involved in memory formation.

Hippocampus[Bearbeiten]

The hippocampus is very important for memory formation, but can also influence vegetative and emotional functions.

Corpus amygdaloideum[Bearbeiten]

The amygdala is primarily used to store memories that have moved a person emotionally. It can also influence vegetative and sexual functions.

• 3D model: Dr Claudia Krebs (Faculty Lead) University of British Columbia