aggression - brain structure

Question 1

what does the limbic system do?

Answer 1

• involved in self-preservation (fight or flight)
• aggression may occur due to a perceived threat

Question 2

what parts of the brain are involved in aggression?

Answer 2

• amygdala / hypothalamus / midbrain / pre-frontal cortex

Question 3

how could the amygdala be seen to cause aggression?

Answer 3

• the ‘source’ of emotions as it takes in info and ‘decides’ on a emotional response
• more activity in the right amygdala links to aggressive behaviour / aggressive impulses

Question 4

how does the hypothalamus link to aggression?

Answer 4

• controls homeostasis in body like hormones
• testosterone levels link to aggression

Question 5

how does the midbrain link to aggression?

Answer 5

• links the amygdala, hypothalamus and pre-frontal cortex together and coordinates behavioural responses
• aggression is a behavioural response

Question 6

how does the prefrontal cortex link to aggression?

Answer 6

• controls emotions and behaviour
• damaged / under-developed pre-frontal cortex means a person less able to control aggressive emotions and behaviour