Final answer:
During REM sleep, the limbic system, especially the amygdala and hippocampus, is highly active. These structures are involved in processing emotions and forming memories and help regulate sleep-related emotional and memory processing.
Step-by-step explanation:
Function of the Limbic System During REM Sleep-
During REM sleep, a phase of sleep characterized by rapid eye movement and vivid dreaming, certain parts of the limbic system show heightened activity. Notably, the amygdala and the hippocampus are highly active. The amygdala is involved in processing emotions, such as fear, and has a role in learning to fear and recognizing fearful faces. Meanwhile, the hippocampus is crucial for learning and memory formation. Other components of the limbic system, such as the cerebral cortex, specifically the cingulate gyrus, and parts of the thalamus and hypothalamus, also play a part in regulating emotions and memory during REM sleep. It's an interconnected system where each structure serves an important function in the emotional and memory-related aspects of REM sleep.