Chapter 3. About love and depression. Deep limbic system

Limbic system.

Anatomical parts of the limbic system.
Limbic system

(from Latin limbus - border, edge) - a set of a number of brain structures located on both sides of the thalamus, directly under the telencephalon. It envelops the upper part of the brain stem, like a belt, and forms its edge (limb). This is not a separate system, but a collection of structures from the telencephalon, diencephalon (diencephalon), and midbrain (mesencephalon).

Participates in the regulation of the functions of internal organs, smell, automatic regulation, emotions, memory, sleep, wakefulness, etc. [ source not specified 2746 days

] The term
limbic system
was first introduced into scientific use in 1952 by the American researcher Paul McLean.[1]

Includes:

• olfactory bulb (Bulbus olfactorius)
• olfactory tract (Tractus olfactorius)
• olfactory triangle (Trigonum olfactorium)
• anterior perforated substance (Substantia perforata anterior)
• cingulate gyrus (Gyrus Cinguli): autonomic functions of regulating heart rate and blood pressure;
• parahippocampal gyrus (Gyrus parahippocampalis)
• dentate gyrus (Gyrus dentatus)
• hippocampus: required for the formation of long-term memory, processing and storage of spatial information
• amygdala (Corpus amygdaloideum) (eng. Amygdala): aggression and caution, fear
• hypothalamus (Hypothalamus): regulates the autonomic nervous system through hormones, hunger, thirst, sex drive, sleep and wake cycle
• mastoid body (Corpus Mamillare): important for memory formation
• reticular formation of the midbrain (Formatio reticularis)

Functions of the limbic system

Receiving information about the external and internal environments of the body, the limbic system triggers vegetative and somatic reactions, ensuring adequate adaptation of the body to the external environment and maintaining homeostasis. Particular functions of the limbic system:

• regulation of the function of internal organs (via the hypothalamus);
• formation of motivations, emotions, behavioral reactions;
• plays an important role in learning;
• olfactory function;
• organization of short-term and long-term memory, including spatial;
• participation in the formation of indicative research activities (Klüver-Bucy syndrome);
• organization of the simplest motivational and information communication (speech);
• participation in sleep mechanisms.

Functions

The complex structure of the limbic system presupposes the presence of versatile functions covering different areas of the body’s activity. This part of the brain is associated with olfactory structures and determines the intensity and severity of reactions of the autonomic system when environmental conditions change. Functions of the limbic system of the brain:

1. Regulation of emotional and motivational behavior.
2. Coordination of instinctive reactions (eating, sexual behavior, the occurrence of defensive reactions) and innate modes (for example, sleep-wakefulness, regulation of the functions of hypotonic structures that are responsible for the onset of sleep).
3. Management of adaptation processes when environmental conditions change.
4. Maintaining homeostasis (constancy of internal state, self-regulation of the body).
5. Regulation of endocrine functions.
6. Controlling the intensity of higher mental functions and functional activity of cortical structures.

The hippocampal nuclei are multifunctional, formed by neurons that generate high-amplitude rhythmic activity. Some neurons produce neurosecretion. Most of the nerve cells in this part of the brain are multisensory in nature - they perceive auditory, visual, tactile and other stimuli to the same extent. Irritation of the hippocampus is accompanied by the following reactions:

• Concentration, state of alertness, anxiety, internal composure.
• Orienting reflexes (innate reactions to new, unfamiliar external influences).
• Feeling of hunger, thirst.
• Feeling of aggression, fear.

Damage to the hippocampal substance is accompanied by impaired memory function for recent events. At the same time, the process of memorizing new information deteriorates, and initiative decreases. The patient's emotional reactions weaken, which leads to the development of emotional dullness (lack of affective reactions, emotional coldness).

Damage to the elements of the limbic region is associated with diseases of the nervous system (severe neuroses, schizophrenia, temporal lobe epilepsy), an increased tendency to drug addiction, and the inability to adequately evaluate an object based on visual stimuli. The parahippocampal gyrus consists of gray matter, surrounding the hippocampus, the main functions are the encoding of stored information and memory retrieval.

Formation of emotions

The limbic system is responsible for the formation of emotions, and in this area the brain structure plays a leading role, which explains its close interaction with other brain regions. The amygdala is involved in the development of reactions of aggression, fear, and the “fight or flight” state, which manifests itself in the mobilization of the body’s reserves and readiness to eliminate the threat.

The amygdala is closely connected to the hippocampus, which is involved in the integration (connection, generalization) of sensory information. The limbic system is surrounded by the cingulate gyrus, next to which is the fornix - a collection of afferent and efferent nerve fibers connecting the hippocampus with the hypothalamus. Interactions with the outside world acquire a certain emotional overtones. The mechanism of the emergence of emotions in the process of communication with the external environment can be traced in a sequential scheme:

1. Perception of sound, auditory, olfactory, tactile and other stimuli by sensory systems.
2. Transmission of impulses to the brain stem and cortical regions.
3. Redirection of impulses to the limbic system, where impulses pass through the so-called Peipetz circle - the thalamic nucleus located in front, the cingulate gyrus located above the corpus callosum, the hippocampus, and the hypothalamic nuclei.

The cingulate cortex, the source of conscious experiences, contains special inputs for emotional stimuli, similar to areas of the visual cortex that perceive visual signals. The processed stimuli are again redirected to the hippocampus and further to the hypothalamus, which leads to the closure of the nerve chain.

In this way, emotional experiences formed at the level of the cortex are complemented by corresponding motor and autonomic reactions. The tonsils are directly involved in the formation of emotions. The Peipets circle is involved in cognitive activity, learning and memory processes.

The second circle within the limbic system is formed by structures: the amygdala, which begins and closes the chain, the hypothalamus, and part of the midbrain. The second circle controls sexual and eating behavior and is involved in the formation of defensive and aggressive reactions. The amygdala regulates the process of choosing a behavioral model that corresponds to current motives and needs.

When the amygdala substance is damaged, behavioral patterns change. Signs observed: hypersexuality, inability to show aggression and rage, inability to self-defense, lack of fear. A person does not experience a sense of danger when a threat arises, which is associated with loss of memory for potentially dangerous situations.

Developing motivation

Research shows that the limbic system determines an individual's motivation to a greater extent than the cortical regions of the frontal lobe within the brain. Motivation correlates with the emotional background, which is formed under the influence of neurophysiological processes, physiological and psychological factors. The source of motivation is the needs of the individual, which determine behavior.

Previously, it was believed that emotions are secondary in relation to intellectual activity, arising after external stimuli are realized and comprehended. Recent studies show a high rate of emotional reactions that occur in response to external influences. Emotions appear even before the moment a person comprehends what is happening and a corresponding image appears in his mind.

American neurologist J. Ledoux experimentally established that afferent excitation caused by an external stimulus primarily activates the limbic system, creating in it an activity that meets the requirements of an emergency situation. In turn, the limbic system triggers the work of other brain structures, taking into account current needs.

LeDoux also proved the primacy of emotional reactions, which are triggered before the impulse is processed in the cortical regions to the state of a conscious image. Emotional stress provoked by an impulse enters the neocortex after the emotion arises, where it is processed, resulting in the formation of a dominant attitude that determines affective reactions and behavioral patterns.

During the experiments, it was established that conscious and unconscious forms of motivation arise due to identical mechanisms. In the first case, people understand why they act this way and not otherwise; in the second, they feel instinctively and guess. One of the tasks of the limbic system is preparatory activity, which mobilizes other brain structures to complete assigned tasks.

For example, the emotion of fear (rage), reproduced in the limbic region, triggers a mechanism for lowering thresholds to the influence of external stimuli. The feeling of hunger or exposure to a new, unknown stimulus is associated with an aggravation of sensory sensitivity, which contributes to the search for an object to satisfy a need or a thorough study and analysis of a new stimulus.

If information about an unknown object does not find analogies in the memory of the amygdala (stores individual experience), a reaction of extreme alertness, concentration, fear, physical and mental stress occurs. The alarm signal sent by the amygdala activates the hypothalamus, brainstem structures, and the autonomic division of the nervous system.

The amygdala controls vegetative manifestations. At the moment of potential danger, impulses coming from the amygdala force your body to work in intensive mode. Cardiovascular activity accelerates and muscle activity increases. The effect on skeletal muscles can be seen in muscle tension, vibration of the voice in moments of strong excitement or in the presence of a threat.

Links

• Clinical and physiological review of nonspecific systems. From the book by A. M. Vein “Lectures on the neurology of nonspecific systems.”
• Human physiology, edited by V. M. Pokrovsky, G. F. Korotko. Limbic system

Three functional blocks of the brain according to Luria

Because of the similarity of names, one might assume that Luria's Three Functional Blocks model and McLean's Three Brains system are also similar. They do have points of intersection, but in general Luria and MacLean approached the brain from different positions, and therefore their concepts are different.

Thus, the founder of Soviet neuropsychology, Alexander Romanovich Luria and his colleagues identified
three functional blocks of the brain, based on how higher mental functions occur in it
: what happens, which parts of the brain are involved and what exactly they are responsible for.
That is why experts say that this model represents the concept of the brain as a material substrate of the psyche
. The three-block system illustrates why patients with certain lesions can perform some tasks with ease but have difficulty performing others.

We propose to consider in general terms the model of A. R. Luria in order to understand how this system differs from the “Three Brains” model according to MacLean and how higher mental functions are carried out in our heads.

Limbic system and Neocortex of the brain - structure and functions

In this article we will talk about the limbic system, the neocortex, their history, origin and main functions.

Limbic system

The limbic system of the brain is a set of complex neuroregulatory structures of the brain.

This system is not limited to just a few functions - it performs a huge number of tasks that are essential for humans.

The purpose of the limbus is the regulation of higher mental functions and special processes of higher nervous activity, ranging from simple charm and wakefulness to cultural emotions, memory and sleep.

System structure

Anatomically, the limbus includes areas of the paleocortex (ancient cortex), archicortex (old cortex), part of the neocortex (new cortex) and some subcortical structures (caudate nucleus, amygdala, globus pallidus). The listed names of the various types of bark indicate their formation at the indicated time of evolution.

A lot of specialists in the field of neurobiology have been studying the question of which structures belong to the limbic system. The latter includes many structures:

Cortical structures:

• cingulate gyrus;
• hippocampus;
• ribbon gyrus;
• parahippocampal gyrus;
• dentate gyrus.

Subcortical structures:

• amygdala;
• nuclei of the septum pellucidum;
• mastoid bodies;
• central gray matter of the cerebral aqueduct;
• olfactory bulb, triangle and olfactory tract;
• anterior and medial nuclei of the optic tubercle;
• leash cores;
• midbrain nucleus;
• collector system of pathways that provide connections between the structures of the visceral brain.

In addition, the system is closely related to the reticular formation system (the structure responsible for brain activation and wakefulness). The anatomy of the limbic complex is based on the gradual layering of one part onto another. So, the cingulate gyrus lies on top, and then descending:

• corpus callosum;
• vault;
• mamillary body;
• amygdala;
• hippocampus

A distinctive feature of the visceral brain is its rich connection with other structures, consisting of complex pathways and two-way connections. Such a branched system of branches forms a complex of closed circles, which creates conditions for prolonged circulation of excitation in the limbus.

Functionality of the limbic system

The visceral brain actively receives and processes information from the surrounding world. What is the limbic system responsible for? The limbus is one of those structures that works in real time, allowing the body to effectively adapt to environmental conditions.

The human limbic system in the brain performs the following functions:

• Formation of emotions, feelings and experiences. Through the prism of emotions, a person subjectively evaluates objects and environmental phenomena.
• Memory. This function is carried out by the hippocampus, located in the structure of the limbic system. Mnestic processes are ensured by reverberation processes - a circular movement of excitation in the closed neural circuits of the seahorse.
• Selecting and correcting a model of appropriate behavior.
• Training, retraining, fear and aggression;
• Development of spatial skills.
• Defensive and foraging behavior.
• Expressiveness of speech.
• Acquisition and maintenance of various phobias.
• Function of the olfactory system.
• Reaction of caution, preparation for action.
• Regulation of sexual and social behavior. There is a concept of emotional intelligence - the ability to recognize the emotions of others.

When expressing emotions , a reaction occurs, which manifests itself in the form of: changes in blood pressure, skin temperature, breathing rate, pupil reaction, sweating, reaction of hormonal mechanisms and much more.

Perhaps there is a question among women about how to turn on the limbic system in men. However, the answer is simple: not at all. In all men, the limbus works fully (with the exception of patients).

This is justified by evolutionary processes, when a woman in almost all time periods of history was engaged in raising a child, which includes a deep emotional return, and, consequently, a deep development of the emotional brain.

Unfortunately, men can no longer achieve the development of limbus at the level of women.

The development of the limbic system in an infant largely depends on the type of upbringing and the general attitude towards it. A stern look and a cold smile do not contribute to the development of the limbic complex, unlike a tight hug and a sincere smile.

Interaction with the neocortex

The neocortex and limbic system are tightly connected through many pathways. Thanks to this unification, these two structures form one whole of the human mental sphere: they connect the mental component with the emotional one.

The neocortex acts as a regulator of animal instincts: before committing any action spontaneously caused by emotions, human thought, as a rule, undergoes a series of cultural and moral inspections. In addition to controlling emotions, the neocortex has an auxiliary effect.

The feeling of hunger arises in the depths of the limbic system, and the higher cortical centers that regulate behavior search for food.

The father of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud, did not ignore such brain structures in his time. The psychologist argued that any neurosis is formed under the yoke of suppression of sexual and aggressive instincts.

Of course, at the time of his work there was no data on the limbus, but the great scientist guessed about similar brain devices.

Thus, the more cultural and moral layers (super ego - neocortex) an individual had, the more his primary animal instincts (id - limbic system) are suppressed.

Violations and their consequences

Based on the fact that the limbic system is responsible for many functions, this very many can be susceptible to various damages. The limbus, like other structures of the brain, can be subject to injury and other harmful factors, which include tumors with hemorrhages.

Syndromes of damage to the limbic system are rich in number, the main ones are:

Dementia is weak-mindedness. The development of diseases such as Alzheimer's and Pick's syndrome is associated with atrophy of the limbic complex systems, and especially in the hippocampus.

Epilepsy . Organic disorders of the hippocampus lead to the development of epilepsy.

Pathological anxiety and phobias. Disturbance in the activity of the amygdala leads to a mediator imbalance, which, in turn, is accompanied by a disorder of emotions, which includes anxiety. A phobia is an irrational fear of a harmless object. In addition, an imbalance of neurotransmitters provokes depression and mania.

Autism . At its core, autism is a deep and serious maladjustment in society. The inability of the limbic system to recognize the emotions of other people leads to serious consequences. The reticular formation (or reticular formation) is a nonspecific formation of the limbic system, responsible for the activation of consciousness. After deep sleep, people wake up thanks to the work of this structure. In cases of its damage, the human brain is subject to various disorders of blackout, including absence and syncope.

What does it consist of?

The neocortex is a collection of nerve cells that form complex gray matter. Anatomically, there are 4 types of cortex, depending on its location - parietal, occipital, frontal, temporal. Histologically, the cortex consists of six balls of cells:

• Molecular ball;
• external granular;
• pyramidal neurons;
• internal granular;
• ganglion layer;
• multiform cells.

What functions does it perform?

The human neocortex is classified into three functional areas:

• Sensory . This zone is responsible for higher processing of received stimuli from the external environment. So, ice becomes cold when information about the temperature arrives in the parietal region - on the other hand, there is no cold on the finger, but only an electrical impulse.
• Association zone . This area of ​​the cortex is responsible for information communication between the motor cortex and the sensitive one.
• Motor zone . All conscious movements are formed in this part of the brain. In addition to such functions, the neocortex provides higher mental activity: intelligence, speech, memory and behavior.

What is the limbic system and how is it related to our emotions?

What is the limbic system
of the brain ? What does it consist of? Joy, fear , anger , sadness, disgust... Emotions.
Even though we sometimes feel depressed due to their intensity, but in fact, life without them is impossible. What would we do, for example, without fear? Perhaps we would turn into reckless suicides. In this article, CogniFit
Xabi Ansorena explains what the limbic system is, what it is responsible for, what its functions, components and possible states are.
What does the limbic system have to do with our emotions?

What is the limbic system?

Since the time of Aristotle, scientists have been studying the mysterious world of human emotions.

Historically, this area of ​​science has always been the subject of much controversy and intense debate; until the scientific world came to accept that emotions are an integral part of human nature.

In fact, science now confirms that there is a certain brain structure, namely the limbic system, that regulates our emotions.

The term “limbic system” was proposed by American scientist Paul D. MacLean in 1952 as a neural substrate for emotions (MacLean, 1952).

He also proposed the concept of the triune brain, according to which the human brain consists of three parts, impaled on one another, like in a nesting doll: the ancient brain (or reptilian brain), the midbrain (or limbic system) and the neocortex (cerebral cortex).

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Components of the limbic system

What does the limbic system of the brain consist of? What is its physiology? The limbic system has many centers and components; we will focus only on those that have the most significant functions: the amygdala (hereinafter referred to as the amygdala), the hippocampus, the hypothalamus and the cingulate gyrus.

“The hypothalamus, the anterior cingulate nucleus, the cingulate cortex, the hippocampus and its connections represent a coherent mechanism that is responsible for central emotional functions and also takes part in the expression of emotions.”

Limbic system and emotions

The limbic system in the human brain performs the following function. When we talk about emotions, we automatically have a feeling of some rejection.

We are talking about the association that still takes place from the time when the concept of emotions looked like something dark, clouding the mind and intellect. Some groups of researchers have argued that emotions reduce us to the level of animals.

But in fact, this is absolutely true, because, as we will see later, emotions (not so much themselves, but the system they activate) help us survive.

Emotions have been defined as interrelated responses evoked by situations of reward and punishment. Rewards, for example, promote responses (satisfaction, comfort, well-being, etc.) that attract animals to adaptive stimuli.

• Autonomic reactions and emotions depend on the limbic system:
  the relationship between emotions and autonomic reactions (body changes) is important. Emotions are essentially a dialogue between the brain and body. The brain detects a significant stimulus and sends information to the body so that it can respond appropriately to those stimuli. The last step is that the changes in our body occur consciously, and thus we acknowledge our own emotions. For example, fear and anger responses begin in the limbic system, which causes diffuse effects on the sympathetic nervous system. The body's fight-or-flight response prepares a person for threatening situations so that he can defend or flee, depending on the circumstances, by increasing his heart rate, breathing and blood pressure.

• Fear depends on the limbic system:
  fear reactions are formed as a result of stimulation of the hypothalamus and amygdala. This is why destroying the amygdala eliminates the fear response and its associated bodily effects. The amygdala is also involved in fear-based learning. Likewise, neuroimaging studies show that fear activates the left amygdala.
• Anger and calmness are also functions of the limbic system:
  angry reactions to minimal stimuli are observed after removal of the neocortex. Destruction of both some areas of the hypothalamus and the ventramedial nucleus and septal nuclei also causes anger reactions in animals. Anger can also be generated by stimulating wider areas of the midbrain. Conversely, bilateral destruction of the amygdala disrupts anger responses and leads to excessive calmness.
• Pleasure and addiction originate in the limbic system:
  the neural networks responsible for pleasure and addictive behavior are included in the structure of the amygdala, nucleus accumbens and hippocampus. These circuits are involved in the motivation to use drugs, determine the nature of impulsive consumption and possible relapses. Learn more about the benefits of cognitive rehabilitation in addiction treatment.

Non-emotional functions of the limbic system

The limbic system takes part in the formation of other processes related to survival. Its neural networks, specializing in functions such as sleep, sexual behavior or memory, are widely described in the scientific literature.

As you might expect, memory is another important function we need for survival. Although there are other types of memory, emotional memory refers to stimuli or situations that are vital.

The amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus are involved in the acquisition, maintenance, and disappearance of phobias from our memory.

For example, the fear of spiders that humans have to ultimately make it easier for them to survive.

The limbic system also controls eating behavior, appetite, and the functioning of the olfactory system.

1- Dementia

The limbic system is associated with the causes of neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimer's disease and Pick's disease. These pathologies are accompanied by atrophy in the limbic system, especially in the hippocampus. In Alzheimer's disease, senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (tangles) appear.

2- Anxiety

Anxiety disorders result from disturbances in the regulation of amygdala activity. The scientific literature has detailed a fear circuit involving the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and anterior cingulate cortex of the brain. (Cannistraro, 2003). Find out what anxiety disorder is.

3- Epilepsy

Epilepsy may manifest itself as a consequence of changes in the limbic system. Temporal lobe epilepsy is most common in adults, and occurs as a result of sclerosis in the hippocampus. It is believed that this type of epilepsy is associated with dysfunction at the level of the limbic system.

4- Affective disorders

There are studies that show changes in the volume of the limbic system in relation to mood disorders such as bipolar disorder and depression.

Functional studies have shown decreased activity in the prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex in mood disorders.

The anterior cingulate cortex is the center of attentional focus and emotional integration, and is also involved in emotion regulation.

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5- Autism

Autism and Asperger's syndrome lead to changes in social aspects. Some structures of the limbic system, such as the cingulate gyrus and amygdala, undergo negative changes in these diseases.

Source: https://zen.yandex.ru/media/cognifit/chto-takoe-limbicheskaia-sistema-i-kak-ona-sviazana-s-nashimi-emociiami-5a81c9a048c85eab97ac3598

Limbic. Part 1. The brain system responsible for adequacy

The limbic system occupies a separate place in the complex human nervous system. It consists of a whole complex of subsystems, the work of which allows us to develop and support life.

In the middle of the last century, the concept of “limbic system” meant certain formations at the edge of the brain. As medicine was studied, the number of entities included in the medicine increased.

The limbic system (LS) is a set of nerve connections and their structures located in the mediobasal part of the hemispheres that regulate emotional behavior, autonomic functions and instinctive reflexes. This part of the brain is also responsible for the sleep and wakefulness phases.

Anatomy

The limbic system consists of the following anatomical structures:

• reticular formation of the midbrain;
• olfactory bulb;
• olfactory tract;
• olfactory triangle;
• anterior perforated substance;
• parahippocampal gyrus;
• dentate gyrus;
• hippocampus;
• amygdala;
• hypothalamus;
• cingulate gyrus;
• mastoid body.

The human limbic system has a closed structure based on ascending and descending pathways. The peculiarities of its structure lie in the stable neural connections that support its functioning and ensure the long-term maintenance of nervous excitation in the cells. Thanks to this, the vicious circle of functioning of its structures is maintained.

The definition of “limbic system” was first proposed by P. McLean in 1952 and at that time consisted of a number of brain formations located “on the edge”. As medicine developed, the number of anatomical structures included in this system expanded. At this stage of research, it includes about 12 brain structures.

The limbic circle of Peipets is the main circular structure of the visceral brain. It passes through the hippocampus, fornix, to the anterior nuclei of the thalamus, from there to the lumbar gyrus, passes through the parahippocampal gyrus and ends in the hippocampus. It plays a significant role in the formation of the emotional sphere and memory.

Motivation and aspiration

Aspiration and motivation are also areas of the deep limbic system. Everyone can feel her work in this direction by “turning on” in the morning and finding incentives to get out of a comfortable bed every day and do necessary and useful work throughout the day.

The hypothalamus plays a key role here. As the structure responsible for sleep and appetite, it is 80% responsible for impaired motivation and many other emotional problems. Now you understand why you can’t become who you want until you put the deep limbic system of your brain in order.

You won't get far with low motivation.

The limbic system controls human motivation

Functions

The limbic system is responsible for the following functions:

1. Olfactory.
2. Communicative.
3. Short-term and long-term memory.
4. Regulates sleep.
5. Regulates the functioning of the internal organs of the body.
6. Forms motivation and emotions.
7. Participates in intellectual processes.
8. Forms the vegetative and endocrine activity of the body.
9. Partly forms sexual and food instincts.

The functions of the limbic system are not limited to those listed.

Due to its anatomical structure, it is the main structure in coordinating the vital functions of the body.

Summarizing signals from the external and internal environment, it analyzes them and sends commands, thereby activating a number of somatic and autonomic reactions.

This structure helps regulate the body’s adaptive reactions to external stimuli and maintain internal balance at an optimal level. That is why its dysfunction is so significant for humans.

When some of its structures are irritated, the functions of internal organs are significantly disrupted. For example, when the tonsils are affected, cardiac activity is disrupted, intestinal paresis occurs or peristalsis is accelerated, the secretion process of the stomach changes, disruptions are also observed in the hormonal sphere, the pituitary gland is especially susceptible to them.

In addition, the limbic system is responsible for the adequate functioning of the wakefulness-sleep chain. It also regulates metabolic processes in the body, affects water-salt metabolism and temperature balance.

The main social significance of the visceral brain system is the formation of emotions . In experiments on animals, it was proven that when part of its structures, namely the tonsils, is removed, it leads to uncertainty, anxiety, and a decrease in aggression. When performing electrical stimulation of the tonsils, people, on the contrary, experienced irritability, aggression, fear, and panic attacks.

When the frontal cortex is damaged, a person experiences emotional lability, this is especially evident when assessing emotions aimed at satisfying one’s needs. All these studies prove the significant role of the visceral brain in the emotional, and therefore social, spheres.

Another important feature of the visceral brain is participation in the learning process . The main role in this is played by the posterior regions of the frontal cortex and the hippocampus. Their importance in the transformation of short-term memory into long-term memory can hardly be overestimated. Dysfunction of these structures leads to the inability to learn new knowledge and the absence of long-term memory formation.

It was previously believed that, due to its anatomical structure, the visceral brain was responsible only for processing data received from the olfactory organs. Nowadays, scientists have proven that this is not so and it is capable of analyzing signals received from various sources.

The limbic system is responsible for a person’s social adaptation in the outside world and his adaptation to changes in society.

Limbic system disorders

When there are disorders of the visceral brain, memory is primarily affected. And although the limbic system is not an archive, the processes of reproduction and restoration of knowledge and skills are disrupted, memories remain, but become scattered.

There are many reasons for its violation, the main ones include the following:

• head injuries;
• infections affecting the nervous system;
• neurotoxins;
• diseases of the vascular system of the brain;
• psychiatric pathology;
• alcohol poisoning.

As a result of these diseases, disorders of the visceral brain manifest themselves in the form of frequent mood swings, loss of orientation, psychiatric pathologies (visual, olfactory and auditory hallucinations), confusion (sporosis), disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular, endocrine and immune systems, in special cases – epileptoid conditions (depending on the location of the pathological process).

The visceral brain, like the nervous system as a whole, has not yet been fully studied. Scientists are still conducting research to reliably establish all the functions and methods of correcting conditions caused by dysfunction.

Neurophysiology of emotions

Everything originates in the brain and ends there.

No matter how many theologians of the past and present wish it, it is the physical work of our brain that almost 100% determines the very course and quality of our life (the ability to feel a sense of satisfaction and happiness; to communicate with others; to be successful in one’s affairs, etc.) From work The brain also determines how a person will study at school, what kind of spouse he will become, whether he can be consistent in achieving his goals, how he will raise his children, and so on.

The brain is the organ of the mind. Modern anatomists describe the brain in terms of the evolutionary path along which we move.

We have parts of the so-called ancient brain, the middle brain and the newborn brain, each of which has different properties.

This model was developed and developed by the inventor of the term “limbic system,” the American physician and neuroscientist Dr. Paul D. MacLean. He identified three brain systems:

• old reptilian brain;
• midbrain (nucleus of the limbic system);
• neocortex (newborn brain).

The operation of old “modules” remains unchanged for thousands of years. New structures grow from older brain modules, and are connected by the biological equivalent of wiring and digital interfaces. Their interaction still remains relatively unstable, so human behavior is never exactly the same and predictable.

While the limbic system is in fragile balance, the person as a whole remains adequate, reasonable and striving for active daily activities.

If the balance is disturbed, a “failure” occurs in the functioning of the biocomputer, which in essence is the human brain, resulting in significant changes in the mental and emotional sphere.

Children are not born with new brain programs. Old programs are already built into us and do not need to be learned.

If we talk about examples, the most pronounced “old programs” include such negative qualities as greed (the desire to take possession of something you like in a predatory way), territorial aggression, anger and jealousy.

Of course, there are also positive innate qualities, such as the desire to form new social units and altruistically help its members for the common good.

Simply put, the limbic system is the link that makes all the “modules” of the brain interact effectively, ensuring survival and interaction with society.

This, by the way, largely justifies women who entered the period of PMS. Now it is clear that their ability (from the point of view of many men) to become simply unbearable depends not only on their innate harmfulness and character traits, but also on chemical changes in the brain associated with hormonal changes in the body.

Moreover, the deep limbic system of the brain contains the highest concentration of estrogen receptors, which is why they are more sensitive to changes associated with the menstrual cycle, childbirth or menopause.

Their brains are physically unable to cope with such a strong release of hormones.

Additional images

• Animation. The parahippocampal gyrus is shown in red.
• Medial surface of the left hemisphere of the brain. The parahippocampal gyrus is shown in orange.
• Human brain inferomedial view. Parahippocampal gyrus labeled #5
• Coronal section. The parahippocampal gyrus is labeled in the lower center.
• Coronal parts of the hippocampus. The parahippocampal gyrus is labeled at the bottom.
• Basal view of the human brain.
• Basal view of the human brain. The parahippocampal gyrus is shown in yellow.
• Close-up of the parahippocampal gyrus.

What conclusions can be drawn?

Bad thoughts pollute the mind - that's a fact. Thoughts have the power to influence the physical state - this is also a fact. A person’s way of thinking directly determines whether his body and mind will be healthy or, conversely, poisoned by stress and negativity.

All this has long been known in official medicine under the term psychosomatics, and many have probably encountered this in their lives. The mind is a garden that needs to be tended by keeping it free from pests and weeds. And everyone who accepts this simple truth will be able to make their life much brighter and more comfortable.

In the next article you will learn what types of negative thoughts there are and how to neutralize them.

That's all for today. I wish you happiness, love and prosperity!

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Neocortex

The neocortex is a part of the brain found in higher mammals. The rudiments of the neocortex are also observed in lower animals that suck milk, but they do not reach high development. In humans, the isocortex is the lion's part of the general cerebral cortex, having an average thickness of 4 millimeters. The area of ​​the neocortex reaches 220 thousand square meters. mm.

History of origin

At the moment, the neocortex is the highest stage of human evolution. Scientists were able to study the first manifestations of the neobark in representatives of reptiles. The last animals in the chain of development without a new cortex were birds. And only humans have a developed neural system.

Evolution is a complex and long process. Every species of creature goes through a harsh evolutionary process. If an animal species was unable to adapt to a changing external environment, the species lost its existence. Why was man able to adapt and survive to this day?

Being in favorable living conditions (warm climate and protein foods), human descendants (before the Neanderthals) had no choice but to eat and reproduce (thanks to the developed limbic system).

Because of this, the mass of the brain, by the standards of the duration of evolution, gained a critical mass in a short period of time (several million years).

By the way, the brain mass in those days was 20% greater than that of a modern person.

Source: https://NarkoPro.ru/lechenie/limbicheskaya-sistema-mozga.html

Limbic system of the brain: structure and functional role

Human higher nervous activity is a complex multifunctional system. A separate stage in it is occupied by the limbic system of the brain. It includes many sections of the midbrain and telencephalon. Its functions are determined by anatomical structures.

The visceral brain is a set of morphofunctional structures of the brain located on the border of the neocortex (new cortex).

The limbic system has a complex anatomical structure.