The limbic system is a complex set of structures that lies on both
sides and underneath the thalamus, just under the cerebrum.
The Limbic system is the emotional control center of the brain.
It initially evolved to manage 'fight' or 'flight' chemicals necessary
for survival in early mammals. In general terms it refers to the
brain region associated with emotion, memory and behavior.
The Limbic System operates by influencing the endocrine system
and the autonomic nervous system and is also tightly connected to
the prefrontal cortex.This connection is seen by some scientists
as relating to the pleasure obtained from solving problems.
The limbic system [Paleomammalian brain] is a set of brain structures
including the:
Hippocampus - involved in long term memory
Amygdala - involved in signaling the cortex
of motivationally significant stimuli such as those related to
the acquisition, storage, and expression of fear memory. It is
responsible for controlling aggression.
Hypothalamus - regulates the autonomic nervous
system via hormone production and release, working to restore
the body to equalibrium. For instance, a protein called leptin
released by fat cells when we overeat is sensed by the hypothalamus
and responds by decreasing appetite. It regulates blood pressure,
heartrate, breathing, digestion, sweating, and all the sympathetic
and parasympathetic functions.
Cingulate gyrus - part of the cerebrum that
lies closest to the limbic system, provides a pathway from the
thalamus to the hippocampus, focusing attention on emotionally
significant events, and for associating memories to smells and
to pain.
Limbic cortex - which support a variety of
functions including emotion, behavior, long term memory, and olfaction
NOTE: To reduce confusion, all CT images have been reversed so
damage on the left appears on the left, and right sided damage appear
on the right.
In the 1970s he proved/discovered:
the role of early environmental influences on learning, memory,
attention, and impulse control
the role of sex hormones and the lack of sex hormones on sex
differences in behavior, cognition, learning, memory, and spatial
ability
neurplasticity and recovery of function in the primate brain
and is considered one of the founding fathers of the field of
Developmental Neuropsychology.
Dr. Joseph also published major scientific discoveries on "split-brain"
functioning and the duality of consciousness. He coined the term
"limbic language."
