data/rag_knowledge/example_regions.json

{
    "Amygdala (AMY)": "The amygdala is a bilateral almond-shaped structure in the medial temporal lobe critical for emotional processing, particularly fear conditioning and threat detection. It receives rapid subcortical visual input via the superior colliculus-pulvinar pathway for fast threat assessment, bypassing cortical processing. The basolateral complex (BLA) integrates sensory input with emotional valence, while the central nucleus (CeA) coordinates autonomic and behavioral fear responses. In resting state, the amygdala shows intrinsic connectivity with the prefrontal cortex (emotion regulation), insula (interoception), and hippocampus (emotional memory). Disrupted amygdala connectivity is implicated in anxiety disorders, PTSD, and depression.",
    "Prefrontal Cortex (PFC)": "The prefrontal cortex encompasses the anterior portion of the frontal lobe and is the neural substrate for executive functions including working memory, planning, decision-making, cognitive flexibility, and impulse control. The dorsolateral PFC (dlPFC) supports working memory and cognitive control. The ventromedial PFC (vmPFC) integrates emotional valence with decision-making and is critical for value-based choices. The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) encodes reward prediction and behavioral flexibility. In resting state, the medial PFC is a core hub of the default mode network (DMN), active during self-referential thought, future planning, and social cognition.",
    "Insular Cortex (IC)": "The insula is a cortical region folded deep within the lateral sulcus, serving as a hub for interoceptive awareness -- the sense of the body's internal state. The posterior insula processes primary interoceptive signals (heartbeat, respiration, gut feelings), while the anterior insula integrates these with emotional and cognitive context to generate subjective feelings. The anterior insula is a key node in the salience network, detecting behaviorally relevant stimuli and switching between the default mode and central executive networks. It plays roles in empathy, risk assessment, addiction, and pain perception."
}