amygdala

Structure: - the amygdala (amygdaloid body or complex) is a relatively large conglomerate of grey substance deep in the anteromedial temporal lobe ventral to the putamen & globus pallidus & to the nucleus basalis of Meynert. - the amygdala is a heterogenous structure Function: - it is involved in modulation of neuroendocrine functions, visceral functions, & complex patterns of integrated behavior, including aggression, learning, feeding, & reproduction - the amygdala is profusely interconnected with other brain structures, bidirectionally, especially the temporal lobe, striatum, hippocampus, hypothalamus, magnocellular neurons of the nucleus basalis, olfactory cortex, & autonomic centers in brain-stem & spinal cord. Pathology: - pathologic changes in the amygdala are seen in neurodegenerative disorders, including: - Alzheimer's disease - Huntington's disease - neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis

References

The Human Nervous System, George Paxinos, Academic Press, San Diego CA 1990

Component-of

basal ganglia limbic system