Centromedial amygdaloid nuclei

The centromedial amygdaloid nuclei form one of the major nuclear groups of the amygdaloid body and consist principally of the central nucleus and medial nucleus. Within the amygdaloid body, the central nucleus lies more anteriorly and inferolaterally, whereas the medial nucleus lies more posteriorly and superomedially, close to the stria terminalis.

An important pathway associated with this group is the stria terminalis, also described as the dorsal amygdalofugal pathway. It arises from the centromedial part of the amygdaloid body and follows a characteristic C-shaped course along the lateral ventricle toward the septal and hypothalamic regions. Near the anterior commissure, its fibres separate into precommissural, commissural and postcommissural components, providing connections with structures including the septal region, nucleus accumbens and hypothalamus.

Functionally, Weiss et al. (2021) place the centromedial amygdaloid nuclei within the extended amygdala, together with the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and parts of the hypothalamus. Through these connections, this system is associated with the integration of olfactory, feeding, sexual and endocrine-related information, linking the amygdaloid body with regions involved in coordinated behavioural and physiological responses.