amygdala

play

noun amyg·da·la \ ə-ˈmig-də-lə \

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

Severe CTE was defined as tau clusters and several other degenerative abnormalities affecting not only the cortex, but deeper brain structures including the hippocampus, the amygdala, and the brain stem.

— meredith wadman, Science | AAAS, "Ninety-nine percent of ailing NFL player brains show hallmarks of neurodegenerative disease, autopsy study finds," 25 July 2017
Another observation involves the amygdala, the portion of the brain associated with emotions.

— dr. manny alvarez, Fox News, "A new path for treating depression," 10 July 2017
Research shows that a half-minute or more of this kind of breathing slows one’s heart rate, lowers cortisol (a primary stress hormone), reigns in the amygdala (fear center in brain) and calms an agitated mind.

— philip chard, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Taking a minute to breathe can prevent emotional explosion," 23 June 2017
The amygdala and hippocampus, two clumps of gray matter that help govern our moods and emotions, shrink as well.

— rene chun, Los Angeles Magazine, "Inside the Los Angeles Clinic That Uses Ketamine to Treat Depression," 19 June 2017
Someone with an undersize or underactive amygdala may not be able to feel empathy or refrain from violence.

— barbara bradley hagerty, The Atlantic, "When Your Child Is a Psychopath," 16 May 2017
Negative feelings activate a region of the brain called the amygdala, which is involved in processing fear and anxiety and other emotions.

— jane e. brody, charlotteobserver, "turning negative thinkers into positive ones," 9 May 2017
The brain's amygdala acts as a kind of alarm system for the brain that can hijack it while looking for threats.

— jayne o'donnell, USA TODAY, "Americans just broke a record for being stressed. Here's how to reverse the trend," 1 May 2017
The amygdala, which influences feelings of fear and panic, was an exception, showing more activity.

— ramin skibba, Newsweek, "Solitary Confinement Screws up The Brains of Prisoners," 18 Apr. 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

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Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral

Medical Dictionary

amygdala

play

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

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Nglish: Translation of amygdala for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of amygdala for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about amygdala

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amygdala

Definition of amygdala

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amygdala

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amygdala

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