Intro | Amygdala | Mammillary Body | Olfactory Bulb | Cingulate Gyrus | Dentate Gyrus | Fornix | Hippocampus | Septum | Thalamus
Part 1: Image-Mapped Tutorial
Part 2: Matching Self-Test
Part 3: Multiple-Choice Self-Test
The Amygdala, meaning almond-shaped, is located within the temporal lobe near the front or anterior boundary, and is an important component of the Limbic System. This structure plays a specific role in the memory of experiences having emotional significance.
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The amygdala receives information from the olfactory system, temporal cortex, thalamus, midbrain, and hypothalamus. In addition, this structure responds to a variety of stimuli. In general, the amygdala appears to specialize in modulating reactions to objects and events of special biological significance; those that warn of pain or danger, or signify the presence of food or water, potential mates or rivals, or infants in need of support. The amygdala, in relation with other regions of the cerebrum, provides the substrate for modulating aggressive, defensive, reproductive and maternal behavior. Indeed, as mentioned in Figure 7, destruction of different regions of the amygdala will typically result in the inhibition of defensive behavior and the alteration of reproductive behavior. The corticomedial amygdala appears to inhibit predatory behavior, in particular against a former and more dominant opponent. This mechanism has important ramifications for self-preservation. The basolateral amygdala appears to stimulate defensive attack. The amygdala is involved in mediating the effects of pheromones on reproductive physiology and behavior, in the control of salt intake, and in the learning of taste aversions and other classically-conditioned emotional responses. Indeed, modern research indicates that prescription, anti-anxiety medication may suppress activity within the amygdala.