There are extensive connections among polymodal sensory systems, the amygdala, the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and its medial sector (the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, or VM PFC: Bechara, 2005), and other areas of the prefrontal cortex (PFC: Barbas, 2007). The amygdala appears to be heavily involved in the experience of negative affect; more broadly, it is thought to play a role in directing attention to emotionally salient stimuli, particularly stressful or disturbing stimuli (Davidson, 2003). The OFC appears to be involved in the modulation of emotion-based reactivity (Davidson, 2003). The nature of the connections among these regions suggests reciprocal influences between the amygdala and the OFC/VM PFC (with influences from other areas of the PFC) in processing emotion-laden experiences and preparing for action (Barbas, 2007; Bechara, Tranel & Damasio, 2000; Ghashghaei & Barbas, 2002; LeDoux, 2000; Lewis & Todd, 2007). Both the OFC and the amygdala receive direct projections from neurons in sensory areas (Barbas, 2007). The OFC also receives both direct projections from the amygdala and indirect projections from the amygdala through the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC, which is also responsive
