What do you think?
2007-07-23 22:36:28 · 9 answers · asked by vivienne s 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
Brain areas related to emotion
Emotions are thought to be related to activity in brain areas that direct our attention, motivate our behavior, and determine the significance of what is going on around us. Pioneering work by Broca (1878), Papez (1937), and MacLean (1952) suggested that emotion is related to a group of structures in the center of the brain called the limbic system, which includes the hypothalamus, cingulate cortex, hippocampi, and other structures. More recent research has shown that some of these limbic structures are not as directly related to emotion as others are, while some non-limbic structures have been found to be of greater emotional relevance. The following brain structures are currently thought to be most involved in emotion:
Amygdala — The amygdalae are two small, round structures located anterior to the hippocampi near the temporal poles. The amygdalae are involved in detecting and learning what parts of our surroundings are important and have emotional significance. They are critical for the production of emotion, and may be particularly so for negative emotions, especially fear.
Prefrontal cortex — The term prefrontal cortex refers to the very front of the brain, behind the forehead and above the eyes. It appears to play a critical role in the regulation of emotion and behavior by anticipating the consequences of our actions. The prefrontal cortex may play an important role in delayed gratification by maintaining emotions over time and organizing behavior toward specific goals.
Anterior cingulate — The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is located in the middle of the brain, just behind the prefrontal cortex. The ACC is thought to play a central role in attention, and may be particularly important with regard to conscious, subjective emotional awareness. This region of the brain may also play an important role in the initiation of motivated behavior.
Ventral striatum — The ventral striatum is a group of subcortical structures thought to play an important role in emotion and behavior. One part of the ventral striatum called the nucleus accumbens is thought to be involved in the experience of goal-directed positive emotion. Individuals with addictions experience increased activity in this area when they encounter the object of their addiction.
Insula — The insular cortex is thought to play a critical role in the bodily experience of emotion, as it is connected to other brain structures that regulate the body’s autonomic functions (heart rate, breathing, digestion, etc.). This region also processes taste information and is thought to play an important role in experiencing the emotion of disgust.
2007-07-23 23:06:07 · answer #1 · answered by Gr8life 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think it's the cerebrum which deals with emotional activities. All those u can think of have little effect on our emotions. As a matter of fact emotions are voluntary actions, and the part of the brain which controls voluntary actions is the cerebrum. So i think the part of the brain that deals with our emotions is the cerebrum.
2007-07-24 09:26:31 · answer #2 · answered by Space B. 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No the cerebellum has to do with balance. Possibly the amigula is emotion.
2007-07-24 09:42:02 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A large part of your brain produces peptides. They are chemicals that are associated with emotion. I'm sure they have a fabulous article on wikipedia. Look them up, and don't be a slave to them! Be aware that they are just chemicals produced by the body like any other and be skeptical!
2007-07-24 05:41:53 · answer #4 · answered by Hannah B 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
The amygdala. Other connections to other parts of the brain also contribute.
2007-07-24 07:23:13 · answer #5 · answered by Hippocratic Oath 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its main function is motor output and perception, the hypothalamus is responsible for regulating the response to emotional circumstances
2007-07-24 05:44:00 · answer #6 · answered by james h 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
it is, but only in the right hemisphere, there are emotions, intuition and pattern recognition centres .. in the other one are rational and analytical thinking ... but every memory is stored in many places in the brain. when left and right hemisphere communicate, you create new ideas
2007-07-24 05:44:49 · answer #7 · answered by tricky 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
cerebrum
when surgeons have electrically stimulated area of the cerebrum they have produced emotions in the patient
2007-07-24 05:42:19 · answer #8 · answered by ~*tigger*~ ** 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
amyglada? it deals with fear
2007-07-24 05:41:55 · answer #9 · answered by glenn t 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋