Walsh & Hoyt: Central Levels of Autonomic Regulation

The term ""limbic system"" was applied by MacLean to several areas within the CNS influencing autonomic function and emotional behavior through direct connections with the hypothalamus. The limbic cortex consists of an arcuate band of cortex that includes the cingulate and parahippocampal gyri and the orbitofrontal and pyriform areas. The concept of a greater limbic ""system"" was proposed to unite the limbic cortex and those structures with primary connections: the olfactory system, the preoptic area, the septum, the amygdala, the hypothalamus, and adjacent areas of neocortex. Cerebellum. Hypothalamus. Neuromediators. Fiber connections. Function. Brain stem.