The Limbic System and the Amygdala

• Aggression is a result of interaction between a system of brain structures, which is called the limbic system, and it (including the amygdala and thalamus) creates aggressive impulses.
• The most important structure in this is the amygdala, as it has a key role in determining how humans/animals respond to perceived environmental threats and challenges.
• Reactivity of the amygdala is an important predictor of aggression. The more responsive the amygdala, the more likely it is that someone/something is aggressive.