amygdala
/əˈmɪɡ.də.lə/
Definition
A small, almond-shaped region in the brain that plays a critical role in processing emotions, particularly those related to fear, stress, and threat detection.
Etymology
The word comes from the Greek word 'amygdalē,' meaning 'almond,' due to the structure's physical shape. It was adopted into scientific Latin and eventually modern English to describe this specific part of the limbic system.
In the news
While not explicitly described in the main text, the term appears in the related sidebar as a key neural component involved in the mental health concepts discussed by the psychologist. It is essential for understanding how children react to stress and how supportive relationships can help regulate those emotional responses.
Why grandparents matter more than ever for children's mental health
Read the full article ↗ScienceDaily