An almond-shaped neural structure in the anterior part of the temporal lobe of the cerebrum; intimately connected with the hypothalamus and the hippocampus and the cingulate gyrus; as part of the limbic system it plays an important role in motivation and emotional behavior.

synonyms: amygdala, amygdaloid nucleus.

Dutch: amygdala
Polish: jądro migdałowate, ciało migdałowate