amygdala

noun amyg·da·la \ ə-ˈmig-də-lə \

Updated on: 13 Apr 2018

Definition of amygdala

plural amygdalae play \-ˌlē, -ˌlī\

: the one of the four basal ganglia in each cerebral hemisphere that is part of the limbic system and consists of an almond-shaped mass of gray matter in the anterior extremity of the temporal lobe — called also amygdaloid nucleus

Recent Examples of amygdala from the Web

In line with research from previous animal studies, the researchers found an association between prenatal exposure to SSRIs and increases in the volume of several areas of the brain, including the amygdala and the insular cortex.

— julia belluz, Vox, "We’re beginning to learn how moms’ antidepressants can affect fetuses," 9 Apr. 2018
The brain regions involved, called the amygdala and insular cortex, are generally the hub of the strongest feelings, including fear and motivation, and integrally involved in mood.

— alice park, Time, "Taking Antidepressants During Pregnancy May Lead to Fetal Brain Changes," 9 Apr. 2018
One report found reduced functional connectivity between the right amygdala and a brain region that plays a role in modulating emotions.

— bruce lieberman, Washington Post, "Mindfulness meditation is huge, but science isn’t sure how, or whether, it works," 24 Mar. 2018
The PET scan showed the treatment group had decreased accumulation of tau and amyloid proteins in the amygdala and hypothalamus when compared to the placebo group.

— sheah rarback, miamiherald, "Turmeric ingredient could help boost your memory | Miami Herald," 19 Feb. 2018
Krystal lit up my amygdala, which is a center for emotional processing and is associated with anger, as well as my anterior cingulate cortex and orbitofrontal cortex, associated with regulating emotion.

— the washington post, NOLA.com, "This is your brain on reality TV: Science meets 'The Bachelor'," 15 Feb. 2018
Throughout, the brain’s amygdala stars as the central player.

— hara estroff marano, New York Times, "What Does It Take to Overcome Adversity?," 12 Jan. 2018
The addiction cycle disrupts the normal function of some of these networks in three areas of the brain – the basal ganglia, the extended amygdala and the prefrontal cortex.

— jamie smolen, chicagotribune.com, "How to know when holiday drinking is hurting your brain," 23 Dec. 2017
There was particular activity in two regions of the brain: the left amygdala, to which science currently ascribes a role in regulating our emotional responses, and the Media Prefrontal Cortex, which activates positive emotions and memories.

— mark ellwood, Condé Nast Traveler, "Science Says We Care More About Places Than Things," 14 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'amygdala.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of amygdala

New Latin, from Latin, almond, from Greek amygdalē

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1845

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Other Anatomy Terms

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Medical Dictionary

amygdala

noun amyg·da·la \ ə-ˈmig-də-lə \

medical Definition of amygdala

plural amygdalae play \-ˌlē, -ˌlī\

: the one of the four basal ganglia in each cerebral hemisphere that is part of the limbic system and consists of an almond-shaped mass of gray matter in the roof of the lateral ventricle — called also amygdaloid body, amygdaloid nucleus