AP Psychology Practice Test 2026 - Free AP Psychology Practice Questions and Study Guide

The amygdala is part of the limbic system, which is involved in processing emotions, memory, and arousal. This small, almond-shaped cluster of nuclei is critical for the formation of emotional memories and plays a key role in the response to fear and pleasure. The limbic system also includes other important structures such as the hippocampus and the hypothalamus, all of which work together to regulate emotional behavior and functions related to survival.

In contrast, the cerebral cortex is the outer layer of the brain associated with higher brain functions like thought, reasoning, and voluntary movements. The endocrine system is responsible for hormone production and regulation, playing a different role in body processes compared to the emotional and memory functions of the limbic system. Lastly, the motor system primarily deals with the control of movement and motor functions, which does not encompass the emotional and memory-related functions of the amygdala. Therefore, linking the amygdala to the limbic system underscores its integral role in emotion and behavior.