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Definition of Amygdaloid nucleus
Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026
Amygdaloid nucleus: A small oval structure in the temporal lobe of the brain that is closely connected to the hypothalamus, the hippocampus, and the cingulate gyrus. The amygdaloid nucleus is part of the olefactory and limbic systems and plays a role in the sense of smell, motivation, and emotional behavior.
It was named the amygdaloid nucleus because anatomists thought it was shaped like an almond. From the Greek amydale (almond) + the Greek eidos (like). Also called the amygdala, amygdaloid body, amygdaloid complex, corpus amygdaloideum, and nucleus amygdalae.