... religious ecstasy)." One of the more primitive limbic system nuclei is the hypothalamus, which mediates the expression of intense, rudimentary, and transient motivational states. It controls the desire to eat, drink, attack, or engage in sex, with sexuality and pleasure as its utmost concern (Joseph 112). More recently evolved and associated with spirituality is the amygdala. This limbic system ... nucleus enables humans to "hear sweet sounds, recall bitter memories, or determine if something is spiritually significant, sexually enticing, or good to eat" (Joseph 112). In addition, it ma...

• Word Count: 2354
• Approx Pages: 9
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Graduate