What is the function of the amygdala?

The amygdala is primarily responsible for linking emotions with memory, which plays a crucial role in how we process and respond to emotional experiences. It is a key component of the limbic system, which is involved in emotional regulation and memory formation. When an emotionally charged event occurs, the amygdala activates and helps encode the memory of that event by associating it with the emotions felt at the time. This connection allows individuals to recall not only the event but also the emotional responses associated with it, influencing future behavior and decision-making based on past experiences.

In contrast, processing sensory information is mainly the function of other parts of the brain such as the thalamus and cortex. Basic survival functions, including respiration and heart rate, are regulated by the brainstem and other primitive brain structures, not specifically the amygdala. While the amygdala does play a role in emotional states that might influence arousal levels, its primary function is more accurately related to the integration of emotions and memory, rather than direct regulation of arousal.