The Amygdala is primarily responsible for the processing and regulation of emotional behavior - particularly fear/anxiety/aggression. Its role is crucial in the formation of Episodic Memory, specifically the emotional portion of the integrated representation.
Structure
The Amygdala is a small, almond-shaped structure located deep within the temporal lobe of the brain. It is part of the limbic system and is composed of several nuclei, each with distinct functions and connections.
Function In Detail
Besides its role in emotional processing, the amygdala is also involved in various other functions, including:
- the modulation of memory consolidation, particularly for emotionally charged events
- emotional learning
- fear conditioning