amygdala
Noun: - An almond-shaped cluster of neurons located deep within the brain's temporal lobe. It is a key component of the limbic system and is critically involved in processing emotions, especially fear and pleasure, and in forming emotional memories.
The word "amygdala" is used primarily in scientific, medical, and psychological contexts to refer to this specific brain structure. - The amygdala is activated when a person experiences fear. - Research focuses on the amygdala's role in anxiety disorders. - The stimulus was processed by the amygdala before the conscious mind was aware of it.
- "Amygdala hijack": A term popularized by psychologist Daniel Goleman describing a situation where the amygdala triggers an immediate, overwhelming emotional response (like fear or anger) that bypasses the brain's rational, prefrontal cortex.
- During the argument, he experienced an amygdala hijack and said things he later regretted.
- Amygdaloid (adj): Having an almond-like shape; relating to or resembling the amygdala.
- The amygdaloid body is another name for the amygdala.
- Amygdalar (adj): Pertaining to the amygdala.
- The study measured amygdalar activity.
- Amygdaloid body: A direct anatomical synonym.
- Amygdaloid complex: Sometimes used to refer to the structure and its associated nuclei.
The term refers exclusively to a neuroanatomical structure. Its function is central to understanding emotional behavior and certain psychological conditions. It is almost always used in the singular form ("the amygdala"), though humans and other mammals have two, one in each cerebral hemisphere.
- an almond-shaped neural structure in the anterior part of the temporal lobe of the cerebrum; intimately connected with the hypothalamus and the hippocampus and the cingulate gyrus; as part of the limbic system it plays an important role in motivation and emotional behavior