Based on what I found on web pages, it seems it's not. But since mPFC has intensive neural connectivities with limbic structures, it involved in functions (e.g. cognitive control, memory, emotional regulation etc.) that are usually related to limbic system, and often to be found to have structural/functional abnormalities in psychiatric disorders along with limbic structures. However, generally speaking, it's not a part of limbic system. Can I say that?
Clinically, anatomically, and physiologically speaking, this key structure is focus of intense research using modern neuroimaging studies techniques in humans to help in the better understanding of the pathophysiology of mood disorders. If it connects with the limbic system, then is part of the limbic system. On the other hand see link below for a great review by Price and Drevets about the neural circuits and mood disorders. The default mode network (DMN) and other fascinating insights.
see attached link:
http://dx.doi.org.libproxy.uthscsa.edu/10.1016/j.tics.2011.12.011
It is much more important to see the functions (!), i.e., systemic approach, then looking at (older) anatomic drawings and 'pedigrees'. For example, the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) - a part of the 'lower' prefrontal cortex (PFC) -, and/or the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), are FUNCTIONALLY bridging limbic functions (and structures) towards the frontal brain. One of their (ACC, OFC) function is to control limbic activity. Some authors thus see them (these portions of the PFC) as "most" limbic part of the frontal/prefrontal brain, others call them the "upper limbic" system (or the upper limbic "level", out of three), or the "most cortical" (i.e., "most prefrontal") part of the limbic system.
Because of these bridging functions, many authors define said parts of the PFC - with close bonds to core limbic areas - as part of the "paralimbic" (or" perilimbic") brain.
Hope that helps. Tobias
Thanks much, Prof. Esch. In your opinion, would those parts of the PFC (e.g. ACC, OFC, mPFC) be regarded as paralimbic brain due to their bridging functions?
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