Toward Basic Principles for Emotional Processing

Jean Marc Fellous, Joseph E. Ledoux

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

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 languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationWho Needs Emotions?
Subtitle of host publicationThe Brain Meets the Robot
PublisherOxford University Press
ISBN (Electronic)9780199847020
ISBN (Print)9780195166194
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 22 2012

Keywords

  • Amygdala
  • Arousal centres
  • Cognitive system
  • Emotional processing
  • Limbic system

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience

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