Podcast
Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson
Questions and Answers
Which area of the brain is known as the 'alarm system' and responds strongly to negative or threatening stimuli?
Which area of the brain is known as the 'alarm system' and responds strongly to negative or threatening stimuli?
- Amygdala (correct)
- Hippocampus
- Fusiform gyrus
- Temporal lobe
What type of stimulus does the amygdala preferentially respond to?
What type of stimulus does the amygdala preferentially respond to?
- Fearful faces
- Neutral faces
- Emotionally meaningful stimulus (correct)
- Shapes
In patients with major depression and anxiety, what is the state of the amygdala?
In patients with major depression and anxiety, what is the state of the amygdala?
- Shrunk and inactive
- Normal size and inactive
- Normal size and overactive
- Enlarged and overactive (correct)
Study Notes
The Amygdala
- The amygdala is known as the 'alarm system' of the brain and responds strongly to negative or threatening stimuli.
- The amygdala preferentially responds to emotionally salient stimuli, particularly those with negative emotional valence.
- In patients with major depression and anxiety, the amygdala is typically hyperactive, meaning it is overactive and responds excessively to stimuli.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge on the role of the amygdala in mental illness and its function as the brain's "alarm system." Explore recent research findings on the amygdala's response to negative stimuli and its broader involvement in various mental health conditions.
