Abstract
This chapter examines the basic principles governing emotional processing. It re-evaluates the concept of the limbic system and identifies the amygdala as a crucial component of the system involved in the acquisition, storage, and expression of fear memory. Amygdala acts as a species-specific danger detector that can be quickly activated by threatening stimuli, and that can be modulated by higher cognitive systems. The amygdala influences the cognitive system by way of projections to arousal centres that control the way actions and perceptions are performed.
Original language | English (US) |
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Title of host publication | Who Needs Emotions? |
Subtitle of host publication | The Brain Meets the Robot |
Publisher | Oxford University Press |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9780199847020 |
ISBN (Print) | 9780195166194 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 22 2012 |
Keywords
- Amygdala
- Arousal centres
- Cognitive system
- Emotional processing
- Limbic system
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Neuroscience