After reviewing several different articles and books about
cognitive neuroscience, I chose to discuss one that addressed how specific brain structures
cause certain behavior/s. According to (Lezak, Howieson & Loring. 2004), “the brain is
an intricately patterned complex of small and delicate structures. Three major
anatomical divisions of the brain succeed one another along the brain stem: the
hindbrain, the midbrain, and the forebrain” (p. 42). Behavior can then be
determined based on how information is processed and flows through structures
within these divisions. Some of these structures are also as follows:
RAS - This is known as the reticular activating
system and it is located in the midbrain. Its function is to control
one’s level of wakefulness and alertness so an individual has the ability to react
to certain stimuli.
Thalamus -
This is located at the top of the brain stem and it is responsible for relaying
sensory messages and motor signals to the cerebral cortex, while also
regulating ones consciousness, alertness, and sleep.
Hypothalamus -
This is located under the thalamus. Its main function is to regulate things
like emotions, hunger, sex drive, thirst and many other major drives.
Amygdala - This includes two almond-shaped masses of
neurons that are located on each side of the thalamus. Their primary function
is associated with regulation of certain emotions, like anger or fear. This is
also a very important part of individual brain structure because if people and
animals didn’t have these, they may not be affected by certain stimuli that
would normally be frightening, personally threatening or dangerous.
Cerebellum - This is located at the base of the brain,
directly behind the brainstem. Its main function is to maintain balance and
coordination of complex movements, along with controlling certain responses
associated with perception and cognition, like pleasure and fear.
Somatosensory Cortex - This is located in
the midbrain and it processes information when affected by various systems in
the body that are sensitive to touch. This sensitivity can include pain,
temperature, and the proprioception system. It is also highly
sensitive which allows people to detect and interpret a large variety of
sensations.
Frontal Lobes - The main function of
these is to receive and coordinate messages from other lobes, regulate motor
control, speech and other higher functions.
What Does This Tell Us About Brain Structures
and Human Behavior/s?
After reading this previous research, one thing
that I have learned is that all behaviors are exhibited based on different
structures within our brain. A second thing is that the brain is way more
complex than I had initially realized. While, a third thing that I have learned
is that several psychological/physical behaviors would not occur if it wasn’t
for these structures and that they can diminish or be altered when these
structures are damaged.
Conclusion
Although, this article was very thorough and
extremely informative, I believe that further research should be conducted. This
is because the article could not determine all of the affects that individual brain
structures have on human behavior/s. Therefore, I am confident that further
research may uncover even more evidence to prove how brain structures and human
behavior/s are related. This process can also be completed by identifying
further correlations among these two factors.
Reference:
Lezak, M., Howieson, D., & Loring, D. (2004). Neuropsychological
Assessment (4th ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press.
