The area of the brain that is the domain of our emotions and appetites is called, the Limbic System. It lies between the most primitive and evolved parts of the brain and is sometimes referred to as the “mammalian brain.”

The term limbic comes from the latin word limbus, meaning “border” or “belt.” This area of the brain quite appropriately lies on the border of the higher-functioning neo-cortex.

The Limbic System is older than others parts of the brain and developed to manage the primal “fight or flight” chemicals so essential to evolution of all animals.

In addition to controlling the five senses, this part of the brain dominates our appetites for food, sex and a wide range of emotions. It also involves the storage of old memories, and the generation of new ones.

With the rapid development of the neo-cortex in humans, the cerebral limbic system has decreased in size over time, and is less developed compared with animals, such as dogs or cats.