amygdala
n : 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 [syn:
amygdaloid nucleus, corpus amygdaloideum]
[also: amygdalae (pl)]