Q.Why the limbic system is called the emotional brain?

The limbic system is a group of brain structures (amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, cingulate gyrus, and related areas) that together generate emotions and emotional memories, earning it the name 'emotional brain'.

The limbic system forms a border ('limbus' means border/rim) of interconnected structures around the corpus callosum and thalamus, on the medial surface of the cerebrum. It includes the amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, cingulate gyrus, and olfactory structures, among others.

Each structure contributes to emotional and motivational processing:

• The amygdala plays a central role in processing fear, threat detection, and emotional memory.
• The hippocampus is essential for forming new memories and linking emotional significance to experiences.
• The hypothalamus regulates the physiological expression of emotion (e.g. heart rate, hormone release) via the autonomic nervous system.
• The cingulate gyrus integrates emotional and cognitive processing. …