This pattern of connections is consistent with reciprocal influences between these brain regions that has been described as vertical integration and appears to reflect both “top down” and “bottom up” processing (Lewis & Todd, 2007). Concerning “bottom up” processing, the amygdala appears to provide information about the emotional significance of sensory input, thereby influencing activity in the OFC. Thus, the emotional significance of events influences subsequent cortical activity (one engages in cognitive processing about that which is emotionally important). At the same time, projections from the amygdala to the striatum, the nucleus accumbens, and the ventral tegmental area enhance the activation of both limbic and cortical structures, thus contributing further to both action and emotional experience (Cardinal, Parkinson, Hall, & Everitt, 2002). In short, “upward” pathways from the amygdala to higher level cortical areas help orient one to what is important and help one prepare possible behavioral responses.
