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Lesson 2
The Physical Brain
The Amygdala
The amygdala is one of the basal ganglia, small islands of gray matter that lie deep within the white matter. It is located within the temporal lobes on each side of the brain.The amygdala plays a large role in emotion processing. In his book A Celebration of Neurons, Robert Sylwester says, "The amygdala complex is composed of two almond-shaped, fingernail-sized structures that are richly and reciprocally connected to most brain areas, especially advanced sensory-processing areas. Its principal task is to filter and interpret sophisticated incoming sensory information in the context of our survival and emotional needs, and then to help initiate appropriate responses."
The amygdala also plays an important role in the development of emotional memories.
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