Organ
Amygdala
Links the significance of events to emotional responses
High-yield
Fear learning is a major teaching example of amygdala function, but the structure is not a single-purpose fear center. Bilateral anterior temporal damage involving the amygdala can alter emotional reactions and social behavior.
Overview
The amygdala is a group of nuclei in the anterior medial temporal lobe, close to the hippocampus. Its connections help associate sensory events with emotional importance and coordinate learned behavioral, autonomic and hormonal responses.
Reference facts
- Location
- Anterior medial temporal lobe, deep to the uncus and near the anterior end of the temporal horn
- Parts
- Basolateral, cortical-related and central nuclei, with additional groups and connections to the extended amygdala
- Blood supply
- Branches of the middle cerebral and anterior choroidal arteries; the pattern varies
- Relations
- Near the hippocampal head and caudate tail; connections reach the hypothalamus through the stria terminalis and ventral amygdalofugal pathway
- Function
- Emotional learning, evaluation of significant stimuli, and coordination of behavioral, autonomic and endocrine responses
Clinical correlation
Klüver–Bucy syndrome can follow extensive bilateral temporal injury, including encephalitis or surgery. Features may include reduced fear, excessive oral exploration, altered sexual behavior and impaired visual recognition; an isolated amygdala lesion need not produce the entire syndrome.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the amygdala located?
Anterior medial temporal lobe, deep to the uncus and near the anterior end of the temporal horn.
What does the amygdala do?
Emotional learning, evaluation of significant stimuli, and coordination of behavioral, autonomic and endocrine responses.
What are the parts of the amygdala?
The parts of the amygdala are the basolateral, cortical-related and central nuclei, with additional groups and connections to the extended amygdala.
What is the blood supply of the amygdala?
Branches of the middle cerebral and anterior choroidal arteries; the pattern varies.