The amygdala has only a few seconds to determine if an event is dangerous or not and make an initial decision for approach or withdrawal. Upon further appraisal, the _________can override the amygdala's decision and change the course of the person's action.
A. neurotransmitters
B. hippocampus
C. hypothalamus
D. cortex
I think it's C since the hypothalamus is the master control for emotion.
The prefrontal lobe of the cortex is a decision maker. It has my vote.
The correct answer is Cortex. My book says:
The amygdala initial response may then be overridden by a more accurate appraisal from the cortex.
You are correct, the answer is D. cortex.
When the amygdala initially processes an event, it rapidly determines whether it is potentially dangerous or not. This quick assessment is mainly based on instinctive responses to sensory stimuli. However, the cortex, which is the outer layer of the brain responsible for higher-order thinking, can perform further appraisal of the situation. It can override the amygdala's initial decision and influence a person's course of action by considering additional information, context, and logical reasoning.
Option A, neurotransmitters, are chemical messengers that transmit signals between neurons in the brain and play a role in various brain functions, including emotions, but they do not directly override the amygdala's decision.
Option B, the hippocampus, is involved in memory formation and emotional regulation, but it does not have the specific function of overriding the amygdala's decision-making process.
Option C, the hypothalamus, is involved in regulating many basic physiological functions, including emotions, but it does not directly override the amygdala's decision or change the course of a person's actions.