Lecture 39: Amygdala and Cortex

What happens to monkeys with bilateral amygdala lesions

removal of all fear responses

What does stimulation of the amygdala produce?

fear response, probably via the hypothalamus

What facial expression do patients with a lesioned amygdala have trouble recognizing?

fear

What is orbitofrontal syndrome?

* lack of inhibition
* inappropriate behaviors/comments
* utilization behavior: pick things up and use them

What happens to patients who undergo a lobotomy or have their prefrontal cortex removed?

Can they perceive the emotions of others?

They have a very small capacity for emotion

* nope

What is medial Frontal syndrome?

Damage to the anterior cingulate and supplementary motor area

* marked by apathy
* akinesia (difficulty initiating motor acts)

What were the three main reported symptoms of cingulotomies?

* reduced “self-concern”
* perserveration
* inhibition