Human emotion and memory: interactions of the amygdala
and hippocampal complex
Elizabeth A Phelps
and hippocampal complex
Elizabeth A Phelps
The amygdala and hippocampal complex, two medial
temporal lobe structures, are linked to two independent
memory systems, each with unique characteristic functions. In
emotional situations, these two systems interact in subtle but
important ways. Specifically, the amygdala can modulate
both the encoding and the storage of hippocampal-dependent
memories. The hippocampal complex, by forming episodic
representations of the emotional significance and interpretation
of events, can influence the amygdala response when
emotional stimuli are encountered. Although these are
independent memory systems, they act in concert when
emotion meets memory.
temporal lobe structures, are linked to two independent
memory systems, each with unique characteristic functions. In
emotional situations, these two systems interact in subtle but
important ways. Specifically, the amygdala can modulate
both the encoding and the storage of hippocampal-dependent
memories. The hippocampal complex, by forming episodic
representations of the emotional significance and interpretation
of events, can influence the amygdala response when
emotional stimuli are encountered. Although these are
independent memory systems, they act in concert when
emotion meets memory.