- Researchers removed large portions of the temporal lobe from monkeys. As a result, monkeys with their temporal lobes removed experienced Kluver-Bucy Syndrome, which can be described as dramatic emotional changes, such as reduced fear and aggression, as well as hypersexuality.

Evidence for the Limbic Model of Emotion

The amygdala plays a crucial role in emotional processing, particularly in mediating fear. Increased activity in this structure is associated with fear learning. Furthermore, this heightened activity is also observed in individuals who are at risk for or are currently suffering from mood disorders.

Role of the Amygdala in Fear and Mood Disorders

- Papez circuit: the hypothalamus, anterior thalamus, cingulate cortex, hippocampus and fornix

- Limbic model of emotion: this model includes the papez circuit, as well as the amygdala and several other brain regions 

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Michigan State University

- Electrical stimulation of the brain, brain lesions, and neural circuitry affect emotion.



Brain circuits for different emotions

Breedlove, S. & Watson, N. (2017). Behavioral neuroscience, eighth edition. Oxford University Press.

Behavioral Neuroscience 8th Edition

Medial Brain regions involved in emotion

Studies investigating different brain regions associated with emotion concluded that there is no singular brain region associated with a specific emotion. Rather, each emotion has different patterns of activation across several different brain regions.

Brain Regions Associated with Emotions

- Brain self-stimulation: the process in which animals work to provide electrical stimulation to certain areas of the brain because it is a rewarding experience.

- Experiments in the 1950's found that rats will readily pull a lever to receive electrical stimulation in the septum

- Brain self-stimulation can also be seen in humans. Patients receiving electrical stimulation in the septum have been known to feel pleasure and warmth. 

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