Which two neural clusters in the limbic system are associated with emotions?

The amygdala plays a crucial role in the processing and regulation of emotions. It is highly involved in the formation and storage of memories related to emotional events, especially those that provoke fear or pleasure. The amygdala helps to assess potential threats and is essential for the emotional responses that accompany those assessments, such as aggression, anxiety, and joy. Its function is integral to understanding how emotions influence behavior and learning.

In contrast, the hippocampus, while also part of the limbic system, is primarily associated with the formation of new memories and spatial navigation. It contributes to the contextual aspects of memories rather than the emotional responses themselves. The frontal lobe is involved in higher-order functions, such as decision-making and problem-solving, and while it interacts with the limbic system, it is not traditionally categorized as directly associated with emotions. The cerebellum primarily regulates motor control and coordination and is not involved in emotional processing. This makes the amygdala the primary structure connected with emotions within the limbic system.