Limbic system. Artwork of the limbic system of the brain in isolation and seen from the side. In evolutionary terms, this is an older, primitive part of the brain. It is considered to have developed around the even more ancient and primitive brainstem (orange). The limbic system is seated deep within the brain. It is surrounded by the more recently developed cerebrum (not shown). Limbic areas include the arches (upper centre) of the cingulate gyrus and, below this, the caudate nuclei, as well as the protruding olfactory lobes (lower right, front of brain). The limbic system controls instinct and moods such as fear, rage, pleasure and reproductive instincts.