The limbic system: An outline and brief history of its concept

The limbic system, which essentially comprises the phylogenetically old limbic lobe, subcortical nuclei, closely connected to it and bundles bridging both, is a functional concept that is not as yet empirically proven, but quite pragmatic for discussion on some brain functions. As widespread structures as the telencephalon, diencephalon and brainstem are added to the limbic system, the traditional notion of its association with emotional experience and expression alone is being challenged.