Brain structure Flashcards
What is the role of hippocampus ?
Converts LTM to STM, role in spatial processing & navigation
Where is the hippocampus located ?
Medial part of temporal lobe
How is the hippocampus associated with aggression ?
Damage = emotional disregulation, lack of fear learning, & social cognition
Hippocampus = Boccardi et al
Prisoners with a history of violent offences had abnormal hippocampus defects, affected autonomic modulation
What is the role of the pre frontal cortex ?
Influential in social interaction & regulation of behaviour, has connections with amygdala & hypothalamus
Where is the pre frontal cortex located ?
Frontal lobe
How is the pre frontal cortex associated with aggression ?
Damage = anger problems, irritability & impulsivity
PFC = Phineas Gage
Shows how damage lead to increased aggression
PFC = Raine
41 convicted offenders = lower activity in PFC
What is the role of the hypothalamus ?
Maintain homeostasis (stability in body in response to external conditions) through regulating hormones
Where is the hypothalamus located ?
Ventral brain above pituitary gland & below third ventricle
How is the hypothalamus associated with aggression ?
Links between frontal areas involved in memory & execution of specific aggressive responses
Hypothalamus = Bard
Removed cat’s cortex = made them aggressive, removed hypothalamus ‘sham rage’ disappear
Is it reductionist ?
Only includes biological cause, ignores social factors
What is an alternative theory ?
Evolution = aggressive behaviour is adaptive & essential for survival
What is the role of the amygdala ?
Centre of emotions & integrates internal & external stimuli
How is the amygdala associated with aggression ?
Left amygdala = role in learning & memory, damage = emotional responses & failure to learn from experience displayed in criminal violent offenders
Blair, Colledge & Mitchell
Patients with psychopathic behaviour similar neuro cognitive functioning to damaged amygdala patients
