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After reading this article you will learn about the role of limbic system in the functioning of emotions.
In recent years, a lot of interest has been generated in the functioning of the limbic system, also known as the visceral brain. It has been found that this system plays a very crucial role in the functioning of the emotions. The name ‘limbic system’ has been given to a number of structures, some of which are cortical and the rest are sub-cortical, which function together.
Cortical structures like the Cingulate and Hippocampal Gyri and the hippocampus proper are together known as the limbic lobe. Other structures like the septal nuclei, the hypothalamus, the epithalamus, and some parts of the basal ganglia together with the limbic lobe are known as the limbic system. Parts of the frontal lobe and temporal lobe are thus included in this system.
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In a broad sense the limbic system is concerned with visceral functions of a self-preservatory nature on the one hand and on the other with emotional states pertaining to interpersonal relations particularly those of a sexual nature. The limbic lobe is vitally concerned with different aspects of emotional responses, consciousness and other related functions.
Though attempts have been made to allocate different functions to different structural parts of the limbic system, by and large the system functions as a single unit. Its essential function seems to be one of regulating effective responses and the exercise of discriminatory effective judgement.
A number of experiments notably those of Kluver and Bucy involving the surgical removal of different parts of the limbic structures have shown that such removal results in profound disturbances in emotional behaviour like placidity, total loss of fear and rage etc.
Similarly, Carpenter’s investigations have shown that psychotic patients with a high degree of emotional excitability and behavioural disturbance can be restored to normalcy through stereotactic surgery. Stimulation of the hippocampus has been found to result in states of hyper arousal, seizure activity and anxiety.
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A wide range of observations have shown that abnormalities in the limbic area are correlated with violent and explosive behaviour, antisocial tendencies and even schizophrenia. Surgical operations interrupting connections between the frontal cortex and the limbic system have been found to produce an overall improvement in the conditions of the obsessive, compulsive, depressive and schizophrenic patients. All the above observations show the prominent role of the limbic system in normal emotional behaviour and also the relationship between abnormal behaviour and structural damages to the limbic system.
In the light of these observations Papez and Maclean have formulated a theory of emotions. Papez suggests that emotional behaviour is made up of two components. The first one is ‘expressive’ including overt, bodily and autonomic responses. The second component covers the experiencing part. Maclean agreed with the above view and emphasised the role of the hippocampal formation.
Perhaps, these specific details are not very necessary for the reader. However, this shows how different parts of the nervous system function together in a co-ordinated manner in complex behaviour, even though each one of them may play a dominant role, in regulating some specific activity.