limbic system

Definition of limbic system

: a group of subcortical structures (such as the hypothalamus, the hippocampus, and the amygdala) of the brain that are concerned especially with emotion and motivation

Examples of limbic system in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The limbic system regulates bodily functions in response to emotional stimuli and reinforces behavior through memories. — Kristen Rogers, CNN, "Empathy is both a trait and a skill. Here's how to strengthen it," 24 June 2020 Fear is a primal negative emotion, processed in the brain’s limbic system involuntarily as a means of self-defense against mortal threats. — Arthur C. Brooks, The Atlantic, "Don’t Fear the (Career) Reaper," 4 June 2020 Sensory neurons deep in their noses signal the brain’s limbic system—a primitive part of the brain that regulates emotions and memory—to act. — Liz Langley, National Geographic, "How pheromones help bee queens rule and lemurs 'flirt'," 19 May 2020 Your son doesn’t want to feel this way; his limbic system is hijacked by his overactive brain and hormones. 1. — Washington Post, "Using logic to help a child cope with anxiety is, well, illogical," 25 Mar. 2020 When treated with contempt, such as an eye roll, the limbic system of your brain responds and categorizes the other person as a threat. — Grace Segers, CBS News, "Arthur Brooks discusses his disagreements with Trump at National Prayer Breakfast," 14 Feb. 2020 Hecht saw changes in the parts of the limbic system and prefrontal cortex involved in emotions and social behavior. — Popular Science, "Did humans truly domesticate dogs? Canine history is more of a mystery than you think.," 10 Feb. 2020 As expected, all participants showed increased neuronal activation within the limbic system—a network of regions that plays a key role in our day-to-day regulation of emotion. — Andrea Mechelli, Quartz, "City living might be making you anxious—but it doesn’t have to," 26 Dec. 2019 Chemicals in the bloodstream can also signal the limbic system—a brain area that processes emotion and stress—to change our moods. — Martin Oeggerli, National Geographic, "How trillions of microbes affect every stage of our life—from birth to old age," 17 Dec. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'limbic system.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

7 Jul 2020

Cite this Entry

“Limbic system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/limbic%20system. Accessed 12 Jul. 2020.

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