The Interior of the Brain

Abstract This chapter describes some of the structures located in the interior of the brain, beneath the cerebral cortex. These structures are part of circuits that interact with the cerebral cortex to enable perception and behavior. The first structure described is the thalamus, which is a gateway for signals to the cerebral cortex. The next collection of structures surveyed is the limbic system, which is crucial for memory and emotion, among other functions. The final collection of structures is known as the basal ganglia, which supports some forms of learning, enables orderly actions, thoughts, and emotions, and is important for understanding habits and addiction.