The amygdala, the precise detector of emotional danger

The amygdala is part of the so-called deep brain, the one where basic emotions prevail, such as anger or fear. Also the survival instinct, undoubtedly basic for the evolution of any species.

Hence, the amygdala, this almond-shaped structure, is typical of all vertebrates and is found deep in the temporal lobes, It is part of the limbic system and processes everything related to our emotional reactions.

In neurobiology it is almost impossible to associate a single emotion or a single function with any structure, but when we talk about the amygdala we can safely say that It is one of the most important associated with the world of emotions.

It is what makes us, for example, more variable than any close evolutionary relative. She is responsible for us being able to escape from risky or dangerous situations, but it is also the one that forces us to remember our childhood traumas, and everything that has made us suffer at some point.

Structure of the amygdala

Despite being such a small structure, the amygdala can be subdivided into different parts. Benarroch (2017) In his article he points out that the nuclei of the amygdala can be subdivided into 3 main regions:

Basolateral nuclear group. It includes the lateral nucleus and the basal nucleus. The basal nucleus is subdivided into basolateral and basomedial nuclei.Superficial cortical laminated region.The centromedial nuclear group. It includes the central and medial nuclei and the intercalated cell mass. The central nucleus is subdivided into the lateral and medial nuclei.

The amygdala and emotional learning

Let’s take an example

Through this simple scene we can deduce many of the functions installed in the amygdala. Because it is the amygdala warns us that darkness is a risk and that the person who approaches is also one. Furthermore, we will have created new learning by deducing through fear that the next day we will not park the car in that area.

Memories and experiences with a lot of emotional charge cause our synaptic connections to be associated with this structure, causing effects such as tachycardia, increased breathing, release of stress hormones… People who, for example, have damaged amygdala, would be unable to detect risky or dangerous situations.

How do we identify that this stimulus can harm us? By learningby conditioning, by those basic concepts that as a species we recognize as harmful.

Daniel Coleman For example, he introduced the concept of “amygdalar sequestration.” to refer to those situations in which we allow ourselves to be carried away by fear and anxiety in a way that is not adaptive, that is not logical and where desperation prevents us from finding the appropriate response.

The amygdala and memory

The amygdala is associated with establishing our memories and our memory

Many scientists analyze what type of biochemical details affect this structure to apply them to therapeutic and pharmacological treatments to minimize childhood trauma. But we should not limit ourselves to associating fear with a negative drive. capable of causing us psychological problems, on the contrary, it is a switch that warns and protects us, a sentinel that has allowed us to evolve based on our protection and that of our loved ones.

The amygdala is a fascinating primitive structure in our brain that takes care of us and that gives us a balanced view of the risks; Fear, like pleasure, is essential in our emotional richness as living beings.

You might be interested…