Purchase Solution

The Amygdala, Hippocampus and Emotional Memory

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

Within the frontal lobe, the limbic system is one of the major systems and is comprised of both the amygdala and hippocampus, with the former being most involved in memory. It appears as if experiences that evoke marked emotional reactions involve both the hypothalamus and the amygdala -- facilitating the creation of an emotional memory. In terms of damage that occurs to either of these two primary structures, do you think that the consequences are permanent or lasting? In addition, do you think that it is possible to compensate for the influence of damage or disease on perceptions and subsequent emotions?

Purchase this Solution
Solution Summary

In the following posting, the expert examines the amygdala, hippocampus and emotional memory.

Solution Preview

Let's first briefly look at the functions of the two areas (major functions):

The hippocampus is well known to be very influential in memory, including spatial memory and navigation. Particular to perception and emotions, memory of events (episodic memory) can have a powerful influence on perception. I can perceive something inherently in a more negative light if I have had a bad experience with it that is easily memorable. For example, if I've had bad experiences being scratched by cats, I would look upon a cat that I randomly ...

Purchase this Solution
Free BrainMass Quizzes
Biochemistry Basics

A refresher quiz to test your knowledge of basics concepts of biochemistry.

Basic Concepts in Neuroscience

This quiz provides a review of the basic concepts in neuroscience.

How Much Do You Know About Genetic Inheritance?

Most of us studied the basics of dominant and recessive genes at some point. However, genetics are much more complicated than this. How far beyond the basics does your knowledge go?

Identifying Variables in Science Experiments, Part 2

Using sample experiments, test yourself to see if you can identify independent, dependent, and controlled variables. Identifying variables is key in understanding and developing experiments. The questions are biology related, but this can be applied to any area of science.

Labor Comfort Measures

Do you know how to comfort someone in labor?

View More Free Quizzes
Related BrainMass Solutions

  • The Role Emotion Plays in Memory

    However, the hippocampus isn't the only associated structure related to memory; the amygdala is also of unique importance. Phelps (2004) noted that the amygdala can influence hippocampal-dependent, episodic memory for emotional stimuli (p. 194).

  • Temporal lobe control

    Links to the Limbic System The hippocampus and amygdala are parts of the limbic system (this controls the individuals emotional behaviour and drive) and are linked with emotional processing.

  • The Limbic System, Amygdala, Hippocampus and what happens when such structures are damaged

    Damage or removal of the hippocampus results in the loss of ability to lean and impairs short and long term memory.

  • Formation of Memory for Survival

    The Hippocampus deals with memories that leave an emotional trace. Things that shock or frighten us are encoded there. As a result, adaptive memory has at least a piece in the Hippocampus.

  • Brain structures and their functions

    It is the first area damaged by Alzheimer's which results in memory loss and disoreintation. Amygdala: This is part of the limbic system and is considered our emotion center.

  • Damaged Limbic System

    Damage to the amygdala can also result in changes or inappropriate emotional responses, hormonal secretions and memory. This is supported by animal research.

  • Man Without a Memory

    References: Clive wearing--The Man with a short term memory. Retrieved February 21, 2014, from http://www.youtube.com Olton, D. S. (1983). Memory functions and the hippocampus. In Neurobiology of the hippocampus, edited by W. Siefert.

  • Brain Areas Implicated in Learning

    Long term memory is similarly dependent on the various circuits that "experienced" the event and associated chemical changes, but relies almost exclusively on the hippocampus to convert from short term to long term memory.

  • Motivation and Brain Function

    (including the amygdala and hippocampus, and (4) a control circuit including the prefrontal cortex and the arterial cingulate cortex.

View More Related Solutions