Amygdala

Definition

The amygdala is a small, almond-shaped cluster of nuclei located deep within the temporal lobes of the brain, involved in processing emotions such as fear, anger, and pleasure. It plays a crucial role in the formation of emotional memories and decision-making processes.

Related terms

Hippocampus:

A major component of the brain that plays critical roles in the consolidation of information from short-term memory to long-term memory and spatial navigation.

Temporal lobe: One of the four main lobes of the cerebral cortex, responsible for processing auditory information and encoding memory.

Limbic system: A complex system of nerves and networks in the brain, involving several areas near the edge of the cortex concerned with instinct and mood. It controls basic emotions (fear, pleasure) and drives (hunger, sex, dominance, care of offspring)