Monday 18th Lecture

Question 1

Aggression Without a Brain

Answer 1

You don’t need nervous system to be aggressive such as Sea Anemones, basic form of territorial aggression

Question 2

Sham Rage

Answer 2

Really severe rage to small stimulus -cats
Discovered that hypothalamus was involved in aggression therefore when hypothalamus was removed no aggression

Question 3

Neuroanatomical pathways- Limbic System

Answer 3

Includes: amygdala, hippocampus, and hypothalamus.
Amygdala: processing emotions like fear and aggression during threat, initiate and aggressive response
Hypothalamus: autonomic and endocrine responses associated with aggression, influencing stress response and hormonal changes

Question 4

Pathways: Prefrontal Cortex (PFC)

Answer 4

Decision-making, impulse control, and moderating social behaviour. Inhibiting aggressive impulses, evaluating the consequences of actions
Reduced activity in the PFC has been linked to increased aggression and impulsivity

Question 5

Pathways: Cingulate Cortex

Answer 5

Emotional processing, cognitive control, resolving conflicts between internal and external demands
Regulation of emotional responses and has been implicated in the modulation of aggressive behaviour through its connections with the prefrontal cortex and limbic structures

Question 6

Orbitofrontal Cortex (OFC)

Answer 6

Decision-making and the evaluation of risks and rewards, adapting responses based on the consequences of actions.
Impairment, inhibiting socially unacceptable behaviour

Question 7

Pathways: Feedback loops

Answer 7

There are feedback loops between the prefrontal cortex and limbic structures, allowing for the continuous reassessment of emotional stated and behavioural responses

Question 8

Neuroanatomical pathways of aggression

Answer 8

Central nucleus (amygdala)-> Lateral Hypothalmus -> Acute stress response
Lateral hypothalamus-> Ventral PAG-> Predatory Behaviour