The limbic system consists of telencephalic, diencephalic, and midbain stuctures that collectively generate stong emotional responses, to promote behavioral exertions particularly related to defense and procreation. Much of the rhinencephalon is invloved with emotion since self preservation and species preservation were early phylogenetic requirements for survival. The telencephalic structures border (limbus) the brainstem structures. Click to see the human limbic system.

The hippocampus functions in memory processing, particularly emotionally charged learning. The cingulate gyrus is a link to the neocortex (being neocortex itself). A stimulated amygdala elicits aggression. A stimulated septum evokes docile behavior.