Human emotion and memory: interactions of the amygdala
and hippocampal complex.
Phelps EA.
Department of Psychology, 6 Washington Place, 8(th) floor, New York, New York
10003, USA. liz.phelps@nyu.edu
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.