From circuits to behaviour in the amygdala

Nature. 2015 Jan 15;517(7534):284-92. doi: 10.1038/nature14188.

Abstract

The amygdala has long been associated with emotion and motivation, playing an essential part in processing both fearful and rewarding environmental stimuli. How can a single structure be crucial for such different functions? With recent technological advances that allow for causal investigations of specific neural circuit elements, we can now begin to map the complex anatomical connections of the amygdala onto behavioural function. Understanding how the amygdala contributes to a wide array of behaviours requires the study of distinct amygdala circuits.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amygdala / cytology*
  • Amygdala / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Behavior / physiology*
  • Biological Evolution
  • Fear
  • Humans
  • Memory / physiology
  • Neural Pathways / physiology*
  • Reward