The limbic system consists of different parts of the brain: The hippocampus, which stores memories, and the amygdala, which processes fear, are the major players.

The amygdala is part of the limbic system, which regulates emotional and behavioral responses. An amygdala hijack is a fight-or-flight response to stress.

Because of the amygdala's super reactivity during the teen years, teens are likely to interpret neutral stimuli as threatening.

The limbic system's amygdala works in cognition that is simple, concrete, and approximate. The amygdala thinks in black and white, while the prefrontal cortex can think in shades of gray.

Is generosity a question of heart or the amygdala? The basolateral amygdala, nestled in the heart of the limbic system, could well play a decisive role in our social behavior.