Intro | Amygdala | Brainstem | Cerebellum | Cerebrum | Corpus Callosum | Reticular Formation | Hippocampus | Hypothalamus | Medulla | Pituitary Gland | Pons | Spinal Cord | Thalamus
Part 1: Image-Mapped Tutorial
Part 2: Matching Self-Test
Part 3: Multiple-Choice Self-Test
The Amygdala is a structure included in the Limbic System of the forebrain. Like other structures within this functional system, the amygdala is involved in the control of emotion (particularly aggression), and perhaps plays a supportive role in the formation of memories.
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Electrical stimulation of the amygdala can lead to extremely aggressive behavior, whereas damage usually results in tame and docile behavior even in the face of provocation. In addition to modulating emotional responses, the amygdala contributes to the interpretation of sensory information. Animals with amygdala damage may sexually mount inappropriate partners including inanimate objects and members of other species. Monkeys with amygdala damage may misinterpret social information leading to inappropriate attacks on other monkeys or failure to attack when truly under threat.