杏仁核（英语：Amygdaloid）又名杏仁体，是基底核的一部分，位于侧脑室下角前端的上方，海马体旁回沟的深面，与尾状核的末端相连。

杏仁核是边缘系统的皮质下中枢，有调节内脏活动和产生情绪的功能。引发应急反应，让动物能够挺身而战或是逃离危险。

杏仁核体积很小，对情绪反应十分重要，尤其是恐惧。当受到伤害之后，杏仁核的特定区域会「因为学会害怕」，并产生恐惧的记忆。

杏仁核促成另一种学习－情绪上的激动，会让人注意到该次经验中最重要的细节。如：被抢的人通常会记得到犯人持用的刀械，而杏仁核受伤的人就不能记得这些细节。

The amygdalae (singular: amygdala; /əˈmɪɡdələ/; also corpus amygdaloideum; Latin, from Greek ἀμυγδαλή, amygdalē, 'almond', 'tonsil') are two almond-shaped groups of nuclei located deep and medially within the temporal lobes of the brain in complex vertebrates, including humans. Shown in research to perform a primary role in the processing of memory, decision-making, and emotional reactions, the amygdalae are considered part of the limbic system.