Amygdala: Anatomy

The amygdala is a collection of nuclei locates deep in the temporal lobes. The amygdala mediates human emotions and affects memory formation and decision making process.

The glutamate is the major neurotransmitter in the basal lateral nuclei while GABA mediates central nuclei neurons, shown in in situ hybridazation of GAD (glutamic acid decarboxylase).

The basal lateral nuclei receives information from MGN (medial geniculate nuclei), piriform cortex, insular/interlaminar nuclei of thalamus, hippocampus, perirhinal cortex.