What does the limbic system do and what structures does it include?

The limbic system is a group of brain structures involved in emotion, motivation, memory, and the stress response. Key structures include the amygdala, which processes emotions especially fear and aggression and attaches emotional significance to memories. The hippocampus is essential for forming new explicit memories and spatial navigation. The hypothalamus regulates homeostasis including hunger, thirst, body temperature, and the endocrine system by controlling the pituitary gland.