Though considered a nucleus, the periamygdalar area is more commonly associated with cortex due to its layered structure and location on the outer surface of the brain.
[2] The periamygdaloid cortex plays a role in olfaction,[3] and recent studies have shown that it may be involved in many more processes including opiate addiction,[4] assessment of negative emotions,[5] and depression.
Similar to its proposed mechanism of action in heroin addiction, prodynorphin in the periamygdaloid cortex has been shown to be significantly decreased in Major Depressive Disorder sufferers.
The activity of various brain regions were assessed during exposure-recognition tasks of static and dynamic facial expressions of anger and happiness.
These results suggest that the periamygdaloid cortex may be partially responsible for interpreting facial expressions and body language that indicate anger.