amygdala

n. an almond-shaped structure in the temporal lobe that is a component of the limbic system and considered part of the basal ganglia. It comprises two main groups of nuclei—the corticomedial group and the basolateral group—and through widespread connections with other brain areas has numerous viscerosensory and autonomic functions as well as an important role in memory, emotion, perception of threat, and fear learning. Also called amygdaloid body; amygdaloid complex; amygdaloid nuclei. —amygdaloid adj.

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Psychology term of the day

November 18th 2024

negative relationship

an association in which one variable decreases as the other variable increases, or vice versa. Also called inverse relationship. See also indirect relationship. Compare direct relationship.