what part of the brain regulates emotions

The limbic system of the human brain regulates emotions. This system includes several key parts such as the amygdala, hippocampus, limbic cortex, and hypothalamus. The amygdala, for example, helps coordinate responses to environmental stimuli that trigger emotional responses, particularly fear and anger. The limbic cortex, which contains the cingulate gyrus and the parahippocampal gyrus, impacts mood, motivation, and judgment. The hypothalamus is also an important emotional center, controlling molecules that elicit feelings of exhilaration, anger, or unhappiness. Theoretical accounts have conceptualized emotion regulation as relying upon prefrontal control of limbic regions, specifying the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) . Additionally, the insula or insular cortex, and a structure in the midbrain called the periaqueductal gray, are also closely linked with emotions.