periamygdaloid

The periamygdaloid region, or periamygdaloid cortex, is a cortical area surrounding the amygdala within the medial temporal lobe. It is considered part of the limbic system and is often discussed as a component of the primary olfactory cortex together with the piriform and entorhinal cortices. The exact extent of the periamygdaloid cortex varies among anatomical schemes and species, but it generally lies adjacent to the amygdaloid complex on the mesiotemporal surface.

Anatomy and connections: The periamygdaloid cortex lies anterior and medial to the amygdala and extends along the surrounding temporal cortex. It receives olfactory information from secondary olfactory areas and projects to the amygdala, hippocampus, orbitofrontal cortex, and other limbic structures. Through these connections, it participates in integrating olfactory signals with affective meaning and memory.

Function: In humans, the periamygdaloid cortex is thought to contribute to processing olfactory cues with emotional significance, enabling odor-associated memories and conditioned responses. It forms part of the broader olfactory–limbic network that supports affective evaluation and learning.

Clinical significance: The periamygdaloid region is not typically a primary target in routine clinical imaging, but it may be involved in disorders with olfactory or emotional components, such as temporolimbic epilepsy or olfactory hallucinations. Structural or functional changes in the surrounding limbic cortex can be observed in various neurological conditions, though attribution to this precise region requires careful localization.