Amygdala

Caterina Müller

edited by

Julius Loges,

1. Definition

The amygdala is a nuclear complex localized in the medial temporal lobe.

Functionally, it is part of the limbic system.

2. Subdivison

The nuclei of the amygdala are commonly divided into basolateral (BLA), central (CEA), cortical, and medial nuclei (MA).

3. Function

The amygdala primarly associates with emotional processes.

It also plays a role in decision-making, memory modulation and behavioral expressions of emotional state.

The stria terminals gives the major efferent pathway to the amygdala.

4. Pathologies

Recent research indicates a correlation between amygdala hyperactivity and disorders such as anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and bipolar disorder.

Amygdala lesions may result in abnormal disregard from danger.

Surgical removal of the amygdala, correlated with lesions to the temporal lobe, can cause Klüver-Bucy syndrome.

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Specialty

neuroanatomy

Keywords

Last edit:

2024-12-26 19:16:03

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