Central nucleus of the amygdala

Central nucleus of the amygdala

The Central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) is a part of the amygdala, an almond-shaped group of nuclei located deep within the brain's medial temporal lobe. The CeA is the main output for the amygdala and plays a critical role in the processing of various emotions, including fear and anxiety.

Structure

The central nucleus of the amygdala is made up of several subnuclei, including the lateral, medial, and capsular divisions. These subnuclei are primarily composed of GABAergic neurons, which inhibit the activity of their target neurons.

Function

The CeA is involved in a variety of functions, including the processing of fear and anxiety, the modulation of pain, and the regulation of autonomic and neuroendocrine responses. It receives inputs from various brain regions, including the basolateral amygdala, the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and the prefrontal cortex. These inputs allow the CeA to integrate information from a wide range of sources and to coordinate the body's response to emotionally significant stimuli.

Clinical significance

Alterations in the function of the CeA have been implicated in a number of psychiatric disorders, including anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance use disorders. Research suggests that abnormal activity in the CeA may contribute to the heightened fear and anxiety seen in these conditions.

Etymology

The term "amygdala" comes from the Greek word "amygdale", meaning "almond", due to the structure's almond-like shape. The term "central nucleus" refers to the central location of this structure within the amygdala.

See also

• Amygdala
• Basolateral amygdala
• Cortical amygdala
• Medial amygdala

References

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