Key ideas

• The limbic system is a group of structures deep inside the brain, including the thalamus, hypothalamus, amygdala, and hippocampus.
• The thalamus is a relay station, sending incoming sensory information to other brain areas for processing.
• The hypothalamus maintains homeostasis by regulating drives like hunger, thirst, body temperature, and sexual behavior, and through the pituitary gland it influences the endocrine system.
• The amygdala acts like an alarm for emotions such as fear and aggression, while the hippocampus is key for forming new memories.

Key terms

limbic system

A group of structures deep inside the brain, including the thalamus, hypothalamus, amygdala, and hippocampus.

thalamus

Relay station that sends incoming sensory information to other brain areas for processing.

hypothalamus

Sits below the thalamus; regulates hunger, thirst, body temperature, and sexual behavior to maintain homeostasis (both start with H).

homeostasis

The body's internal balance.

pituitary gland

Gland just below the hypothalamus, controlled by it; helps control the endocrine system.

endocrine system

The body's system of glands that release hormones.

amygdala

Structure involved in emotion, especially fear and aggression (think: Amy G. Dala, "Oh my god!").

hippocampus

Structure important for forming new memories; damage makes it hard to form new long-term memories (think: a hippo on campus – you'd remember that).

Watch out