Amygdala
The amygdala is a complex structure adjacent to the hippocampus. The amygdala is involved in processing emotions, and fear–learning.
The amygdala is a complex structure adjacent to the hippocampus. The amygdala is involved in processing emotions, and fear–learning. It links areas of the cortex that process 'higher' cognitive information with hypothalamic and brainstem systems that control 'lower' metabolic responses (e.g. touch, pain sensitivity, and respiration). This allows the amygdala to coordinate physiological responses based on cognitive information – the most well–known example being the fight–or–flight response.
amygdala, hippocampus, fear, learning, emotion, pain sensitivity, brain
- ID: 2104
- Source: DNALC.G2C
Related Content
1238. Fear Learning
Professor Karim Nader explains that fear learning, which is mediated by the amygdala, is different from other forms of learning.
822. The Amygdala, the Body's Alarm Circuit
The amygdala controls autonomic responses associated with fear, arousal, and emotional stimulation and has been linked to anxiety disorder and social phobias.
2106. Cingulate Gyrus
An important part of the limbic system, the cingulate gyrus helps regulate emotions and pain. It is also involved in predicting and avoiding negative consequences.
2103. Limbic System
The limbic system is a group of brain structures including the amygdala, hippocampus, and hypothalamus that are involved in processing and regulating emotions, memory, and sexual arousal.
1239. Hippocampus and Conscious Memory
Professor Karim Nader explains that different brain regions are responsible for different types of memory. The hippocampus mediates conscious memory.
825. A Brain Built for Fair Play
A new theory of the neuroscientific basis for the human instinct for fair play.
2217. The amygdala - fear and stress response
Professor Bruce McEwen discusses how the amygdala is involved in processing fear and stress.
862. Serotonin Transporter Gene
The serotonin transporter gene may affect neural circuits connecting the amygdala and the cingulate and cause depression.
886. Background to Chronic Pain
It is estimated that more than 50 million Americans suffer from chronic pain. What is it and how is it treated?
2032. Neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease
Professor Kenneth Kosik discusses some of the brain regions specifically associated with Alzheimer's disease, including the hippocampus, amygdala, and entorhinal cortex.