Cingulate Gyrus

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The Cingulate Gyrus (cingulate means encircling) is located along the inside surface of the cerebrum (the surface that separates the hemispheres) just above the corpus callosum. The cingulate gyrus encircles the upper or superior part of the thalamus. This cortical region is included in the limbic system due to its connections with other limbic structures and involvement in the control of motivation.

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The cingulate gyrus has reciprocal connections with other limbic structures and frontal cortex, and appears to provide an interface between the decision-making process of the frontal lobe and the emotional world of the limbic system. Stimulation of cingulate gyrus in humans often produces negative or positive feelings, and in lower animals, stimulation causes erection of the penis and grooming. Akinetic mutism, a condition in which the person is unable to talk or move, may result from damage to this region. Conversely, increased activity in this region may contribute to Tourette's syndrome; characterized by increased movement such as muscular and vocal tics, facial grimacing, pacing, twirling, coughing, sniffing, and grunting. Some neurosurgeons have treated severe obsessive-compulsive disorders (repetitive thoughts and behaviors that cannot be suppressed) by surgically disconnecting the frontal lobe from the cingulate gyrus. Very recent research indicates the front or anterior portion of cingulate gyrus is involved in the emotional reaction to painful and other aversive events.