Seminar on the brain
Contrasting functions of limbic and neocortical systems of the brain and their relevance to psychophysiological aspects of medicine

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Abstract

An analysis is made of problems pertaining to psychosomatic medicine the explanation of which requires the help of neurophysiology. This analysis turns the focus of attention on the question of central mechanisms of emotion. A summary is given of the work in this area that has led to investigations on the phylogenetically old cortex and related structures which collectively are referred to as the limbic system. This designation is explained in the course of presenting a short anatomical introduction to the physiological material.

The rest of the article is divided into two parts. The first part deals with investigations on the localization of function within the limbic system. These studies suggest that respective portions of the limbic system are concerned with emotionally determined functions pertaining to the preservation of the self or to the preservation of the species. Neuroendocrine aspects of limbic function are included in this part.

The second part presents behavioral, physiological, neuropharmacological and neurochemical findings pertaining to a postulated dichotomy in the function of the limbic and neocortical systems.

As indicated in the accompanying comments, this material has important implications not only in regard to understanding differences in emotional and intellectual processes but also with respect to the psychotherapy and chemotherapy of psychological disorders.

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    Investigations were aided by grants from the National Institutes of Health, Foundations' Fund for Research in Psychiatry, and the National Science Foundation.

    1

    From the Laboratory of Neurophysiology, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Public Health Service, Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Bethesda, Maryland.

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