Which part of the brain is primarily associated with emotional reactions of fear and anger?

The amygdala is the part of the brain primarily associated with emotional reactions, particularly fear and anger. It plays a critical role in the processing of emotions and is involved in the formation of emotional memories. The amygdala helps an individual interpret stimuli and can trigger appropriate responses to perceived threats, which is essential for survival.

In navigating emotions like fear, the amygdala interacts with various brain areas to orchestrate bodily responses, such as increased heart rate or heightened alertness, that accompany these emotions. For example, when faced with a fearful situation, the amygdala activates the autonomic nervous system, resulting in a fight-or-flight response.

The other parts mentioned serve different functions: the cerebellum is primarily responsible for motor control and coordination; the hippocampus is critical for memory formation and spatial navigation; and the hypothalamus regulates homeostatic functions such as hunger, thirst, and temperature, but also has a role in emotional regulation through its connection to the autonomic nervous system. However, it is the amygdala that is notably recognized for its key role in processing fear and anger specifically.