The Amygdala

Abstract

As with other regions of the limbic system, the amygdala has close ties with the hypothalamus, although it differs from other limbic structures in also having a close relationship to the basal ganglia. Thus, the amygdala has a special place among the subcortical nuclear masses in being intimately involved in both limbic and striatal activities. However, a clear division among nuclear groups in terms of being more “limbic” or more “basal ganglionic” is not possible. Rather, many nuclear groups seem to have their own special characteristics, and functional divisions appear to cross lines among nuclei. However, there are certain general changes in behavior that seem to follow the destruction of large portions of the amygdala.