ABSTRACT
The structures of the limbic system are largely interconnected with the rest of the brain, and they are believed to play an important part in the regulation of our feelings and anxiety. The amygdaloid complex is divided into a corticomedial nuclear group and a basolateral nuclear group. The central nucleus of the amygdala receives input from the basolateral group of amygdaloid nuclei and activates a number of brainstem and hypothalamic effector sites, resulting in the anxiety response. The septal area receives fibres from the hippocampus and the amygdaloid complex, and connects to the thalamus, hypothalamus, hippocampus, and brainstem. The hypothalamus is located just below the thalamus on both sides of the third ventricle and just above the pituitary gland. Emotional stimuli activate sensory pathways that trigger the hypothalamus to modulate heart rate, blood pressure and respiration. Physiological inputs to the hypothalamus act on the brainstem and the autonomic nervous system.
