00.20 The Subcortical Brain
The Subcortical Brain
I will cite references to "An Introduction to Brain and Behavior" by Bryan Kolb & Ian G. Whishaw, FIRST edition, as [K&W: page number]. For a free copy of this book see section '00.10 Introduction'.
On [K&W:358] the book says: "The frontal lobe of each hemisphere is responsible for planning and initiating sequences of behavior." This is the majority view and represents a "top down" understanding of human behavior. I will argue for a "bottom up" interpretation in which the frontal lobe plays an almost minor role in determining our behavior.
The cerebral cortex is a relatively new evolutionary addition to our nervous systems. Amphibians and their predecessors have no cortex at all, yet they have no trouble initiating, and perhaps even planning, sequences of behavior. Our brains are essentially amphibian brains on top of which has been added a cerebral cortex. Although I agree with the evolutionary framework proposed by Hughlings-Jackson, the book's discussion of behavior on [K&W:358] is very oversimplified.
The original MySpace page and this website are an attempt to look more closely at the evolutionary framework of human behavior. Although my original focus was the nervous system, I've come to realize that the endocrine system is at least equally important, and I'll be discussing, not only the brain, but also the endocrine system.
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