Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026

Conscious and Non-conscious Representations of Emotional Faces in Asperger's Syndrome
Published on: July 31, 2016
Can theories of visual representation help to explain asymmetries in amygdala function?
Brenton W McMenamin1, Chad J Marsolek
1Department of Psychology and the Center for Cognitive Sciences University of Minnesota, 75 E River Road, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. mcmenamin@umn.edu
Abstract:
Emotional processing differs between the left and right hemispheres of the brain, and functional differences have been reported more specifically between the left and right amygdalae, subcortical structures heavily implicated in emotional processing. However, the empirical pattern of amygdalar asymmetries is inconsistent with extant theories of emotional asymmetries. Here we review this discrepancy, and we hypothesize that hemispheric differences in visual object processing help to explain the previously reported functional differences between the left and right amygdalae. The implication that perceptual factors play a large role in determining amygdalar asymmetries may help to explain amygdalar dysfunction in the development and maintenance of posttraumatic stress disorder.
Related Concept Videos
Functional Brain Systems: Limbic System
Role of Amygdala in Memory
One of the...
Association Areas of the Cortex
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
Lateralization
Motor and Sensory Areas of the Cortex
Motor Areas
The motor areas located in the frontal lobe are central to controlling voluntary movements. This region is further subdivided into the primary motor cortex and the premotor cortex.
Color Vision

