amygdala

noun

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amyg·da·la | \ ə-ˈmig-də-lə

plural amygdalae\ ə-ˈmig-də-ˌlē

, -ˌlī \

Definition of amygdala

: 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

Examples of amygdala in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Harvard proved years ago that meditation increases cell density in the PFC and Hippocampus and decreases cell density in the amygdala. — Christine Comaford, Forbes, 5 May 2022 The experience likely involves the amygdala, the part of the brain that automatically produces basic emotional responses to outside signals, including danger. — Arthur C. Brooks, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2022 In brain-image scans, math-anxious children show more activity in the amygdala, a part of the brain central to processing fear. — New York Times, 22 Mar. 2022 Although the exact reasons are not yet known, this may be due to light’s effects on increasing levels of cortisol, a hormone that modulates the stress response or the effect of light on the amygdala, a part of the brain involved in emotions. — Beth Ann Malow, The Conversation, 10 Mar. 2022 The association between media exposure and post-traumatic stress symptoms was strongest for those with a particular brain response in the amygdala, a brain area involved in processing fear and detecting potential threats. — Anthony Steven Dick, The Conversation, 7 Feb. 2022 And your screaming toddler’s tantrums originate from her amygdala, a brain region linked to emotions. — Iris Berent, Scientific American, 10 Dec. 2021 At the base of our brains, within the limbic system, is a primitive part called the amygdala. — Roberta Moore, Forbes, 5 Oct. 2021 The brain then sends the message to a part called the amygdala, which controls aggression in humans. — Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY, 23 Nov. 2021 See More

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.

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Last Updated

14 May 2022

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“Amygdala.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amygdala. Accessed 24 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for amygdala

amygdala

noun

amyg·da·la | \ ə-ˈmig-də-lə

plural amygdalae\ -ˌlē

, -ˌlī

Medical Definition of amygdala

: 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