The Role of the Amygdala in Primate Social Cognition

Abstract

Abstract Studying the neural basis of primate social cognition is a relatively recent enterprise which has been facilitated by expansive growths in the fields of neuroscience and primatology (Brothers, 1990). A major focus of this research in nonhuman and human primates has been the amygdaloid complex, a prominent telencephalic region located in the anteromedial temporal lobe. In this chapter, we briefly review the anatomical connectivity of the primate amygdaloid complex and initial studies which looked at the effect of amygdala lesions on social behavior in monkeys. We then propose a hypothesis of amygdala function based on its anatomy that specifically addresses how the amygdala might interpret social information (such as facial expressions) and initiate appropriate behavioral responses. We then apply this hypothesis to the everyday behaviors of a macaque monkey, in the neuroethological tradition, and discuss the importance of the amygdala to these behaviors. The amygdaloid complex is a heterogeneous region located just anterior to the hippocampus in the medial temporal lobe. The use of the term “amygdaloid complex” emphasizes that this region is composed of a group of at least 13 nuclei and cortical areas. Each of these major subdivisions is typically further partitioned into two or more subdivisions. Having said this, we will use the terms “amygdaloid complex” and “amygdala” synonymously in this chapter. It is beyond the scope of this chapter to provide a detailed review of the cytoarchitectonic organization and intrinsic and extrinsic connectivity of the primate amygdala. A summary of this type can be found in Amaral et al. (1992). Rather, we provide an overview of the features of amygdala neuroanatomy that are relevant to our proposal concerning its role in social cognition.

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