Which part of the brain is associated with raw intense emotions?

The amygdala plays a crucial role in processing raw, intense emotions such as fear, anger, and pleasure. It is a small, almond-shaped cluster of nuclei located deep within the temporal lobes of the brain. This structure is key in the emotional responses associated with survival, as it helps individuals assess threats and generate appropriate reactions. The amygdala also has a significant influence on memory processing, particularly emotional memories, which are often more vivid and impactful than neutral ones.

On the other hand, the hypothalamus is involved in regulating bodily functions and homeostasis, such as hunger, thirst, and temperature control, and does not primarily govern emotions. The gustatory cortex is responsible for processing taste sensations, while the pons acts as a connection point between different parts of the brain and is involved in functions like sleep and respiration but is not directly linked to the processing of raw emotions. Thus, the amygdala's specialized role in emotional regulation and response underscores why it is associated with raw intense emotions.