UPLEARN bio explanations Flashcards
Define aggression
Any physical or non-physical behaviour that is threatening or intends to harm others or objects
What is the hypothalamus involved in?
- activating the sympathetic nervous system
- controlling the fight or flight response
- producing aggressive behaviour
What is the role of the amygdala in aggression?
It determines the emotional meaning of events in the environment
(which means deciding whether an event is good or bad)
If the events are bad or dangerous then the amygdala sends nerve impulses to the hypothalamus, causing it to produce aggressive behaviour
The main part of the brain involved in storing long term memories is…
The Hippocampus
What is the role of the hippocampus in aggression?
sends information stored in our memory to the amygdala to help determine the emotional meaning of events in the environment
What are the 3 regions in the brain that work together to produce aggression known as?
The limbic system
- Hypothalamus
- Amygdala
- Hippocampus
Outline the role of the frontal cortex in aggression
The frontal cortex stops us from behaving aggressively in inappropriate situations
It sends electrical signals that inhibit neurons in the amygdala – causing the neurons in the amygdala to generate fewer nerve impulses – causes amygdala to stop sending nerve impulses to the hypothalamus– which stops aggressive behaviour
What does neurotransmitter serotonin play a role in?
Controlling our mood and how we feel about things
Outline the role serotonin plays in aggression
- inhibits neurons in the amygdala
- reduces nerve impulses sent to the hypothalamus
- reduces aggressive behaviour
What is testosterone?
A hormone produced and released by the adrenal and sex glands that increases our tendency to be aggressive
