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Functional Brain Systems: Limbic System

Functional Brain Systems: Limbic System

The limbic system, often called the "emotional brain," is a complex set of structures located deep within the brain. The intricate network of the limbic system supports a wide range of psychological functions, from emotional regulation to memory formation and sensory processing. This functional brain region encompasses specific parts of the diencephalon and the cerebrum, integrating the higher mental functions of the cerebral cortex with the primitive emotional responses of the deep brain...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 12, 2026

Co-analysis of Brain Structure and Function using fMRI and Diffusion-weighted Imaging

Co-analysis of Brain Structure and Function using fMRI and Diffusion-weighted Imaging

Published on: November 8, 2012

Functionally distinct amygdala subregions identified using DTI and high-resolution fMRI.

Nicholas L Balderston¹, Douglas H Schultz¹, Lauren Hopkins¹

¹Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA, and.

Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience

|May 14, 2015

Summary

The amygdala processes more than just fear. This study reveals distinct functional subunits within the amygdala, differentiating responses to novelty and fear using advanced brain imaging techniques.

Keywords:

amygdala fMRI fear conditioning novelty streamline tractography

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Last Updated: Apr 12, 2026

Co-analysis of Brain Structure and Function using fMRI and Diffusion-weighted Imaging

Co-analysis of Brain Structure and Function using fMRI and Diffusion-weighted Imaging

Published on: November 8, 2012

Probing the Brain in Autism Using fMRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging

Probing the Brain in Autism Using fMRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging

Published on: September 12, 2011

High-resolution Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Methods for Human Midbrain

High-resolution Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Methods for Human Midbrain

Published on: May 10, 2012

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Cognitive Neuroscience
Neuroimaging

Background:

The amygdala is traditionally associated with fear and emotion processing.
However, amygdala neurons respond to diverse emotional and non-emotional stimuli.
Subregional specialization within the amygdala for different tasks is hypothesized.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the differential effects of novelty and fear on amygdala activity.
To functionally subdivide the amygdala based on responses to various stimuli.
To propose a model for information flow and processing within the amygdala.

Main Methods:

High-resolution blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) imaging was employed.
Streamline tractography was used to delineate amygdala subregions.
Comparisons of amygdala activity under novelty and fear conditions were performed.

Main Results:

Three distinct functional amygdala subunits were identified.
A laterobasal subregion responded to general visual stimuli, connected to the visual cortex.
A centromedial subregion responded to aversive outcome prediction, connected to the diencephalon.

Conclusions:

The amygdala exhibits functional specialization across its subregions.
A model of amygdala function is proposed: information enters the laterobasal subregion, is processed intrinsically, and then relayed to the centromedial subregion for behavioral output.
This functional segregation supports distinct roles in processing sensory information and predicting outcomes.