amygdala

noun

Pronunciation: /əˈmɪɡ.də.lə/

Definition

An almond-shaped cluster of nuclei located deep within the temporal lobes of the brain, primarily responsible for processing emotions, especially fear and threat detection.

Examples

• Neuroscientists believe the amygdala plays a crucial role in how we form memories associated with strong emotional experiences.

• Damage to the amygdala can significantly impair a person's ability to recognize expressions of fear in others.

• The amygdala triggers the body's fight-or-flight response long before the conscious mind has time to analyze the situation.

Synonyms of amygdala

Words with a similar meaning to amygdala:

• brain center
• emotional center
• limbic structure
• nuclei cluster

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