Limbic System

Limbic system:

• Amygdala: emotions, reward, associated memory, "flight or fight" response

• Hypothalamus: regulates body temp., deep sleep synchronization, hunger & thirst control, memory & emotion (some aspects)

• Pituitary gland: regulates hormone in body, receives input from hypothalamus

Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis:

• Hypothalamus releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in response to body undergoing stress

• Pituitary gland releases adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in response to CRH detection

• Adrenal gland (two glands located above kidney) produces cortisol (main stress hormone) in response to detection of ACTH

• When cortisol levels reach a certain point, CRH & ACTH release cease in order to prevent excessive cortisol production