Brain, Nervous System & Emotions

Kimberly NelsonMTHS 2013

Triune Brain Theory Reptilian brain

Limbic (early mammalian) brain

Neocortex (neo-mammalian) brain

Reptilian Brain

Reptilian Brain Also called the brain stem Develops between conception and first 15

months after birth Job: self preservation Monitors outer world through sensory

input Then…activates body for survival 100 trillion nerve nets that link all senses

Reptilian brain, cont. Includes: brain stem, medulla oblongata,

pons & cerebellum Sensations are sent:

Through the brain stem… To the switch board or pons… To the thalamus in the limbic brain… To the neocortex for interpretation

Limbic Brain Links to neocortex allowing for emotional

or cognitive (thinking) processing Works with the body to show physical

signs of emotions, like flush of embarrassment or smile of joy

Determines the release of neuro-transmitters that strengthen or weaken immune system

Limbic brain, cont. 4 major structures of limbic brain

Thalamus: relay station for incoming sensory information,

except smell Relays info from brain to muscles Interprets pain, temp, pressure Connections between emotions & memory

Hypothalamus Pituitary gland Manages: hunger, thirst, temp, sleeping state Mind-over-body phenomena Aggression & pleasure

Limbic brain, cont.Amygdala

Links to brain areas involved with cognitive and sensory processing

Regulates your body state=to emotional state Recognizes facial expression & body language Body reactions to fear or anxiety

Hippocampus Short term memory Transfers info into long term memory

Neocortex Cerebral Cortex Outer gray layer of brain, 80% of brain Controls motor movement Communication: language, process visual

information, speech Problem solving & processing ideas

Cerebral Cortex

Primary Functioning

Nerve Cell

Brain Processing Model

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HEARING

LONGTERMSTORAGE

WORKINGMEMORY

SMELL

SIGHT

TOUCH

TASTE OUT

OUTPERCEPTUALREGISTER

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Mat.talen/027 Vrij naar David A. Sousa ‘How the brain learns.’

SHORTTERM

MEMORY

What does this all mean? What are some connections you can make

about this information and what you already know about emotions?

From observation to responseDuring our day, we experience events that

cause emotional responses. What steps does our body/brain take to process and act towards a response?

Observation to responseWhat influences could effect our response?

Consider: Observation skills and abilities History: past events, info, prejudge State of brain: nutrition, sleep, water Mental state: stress, sickness Brain’s ability to communication (synapse

development) Age, developmental state Brain’s communication style & experiences Fight or flight, phobias, abuse Mental health

There’s a spider in my bed!!! Identify:

How does the information get into your brain? What does your limbic system do? To react to the spider, what will the following parts do:

Thalamus (sees the spider)

Hypothalamus (connects an emotion to seeing it)

Amygdala (body reacts to fear)

hippocampus (takes from short term memory to long term memory)

Feelings & Needs All humans have needs Areas of needs

Self-expression: create, play Autonomy: goals, dreams, choices Interdependence: acceptance, respect Spiritual: joy, meaning Physical: basic needs, protection, sexual Where have you seen this before?

Practice getting what you need Situation

What did you see? What did you feel? What do you need? How would you do or request?

Connection What is the connection between emotions

and getting your needs met?