Brain Function and Psychology - Term Paper Example

Concern of the psychologists -the telencephalon, mesencephalon, diencephalon metencephalon and myelencephalon The brain is not only a complex structure in the human body, but also a very crucial part in the body of a human being. A lot of research has been going on regarding the brain in all parts of Sciences including psychology. In this case, research psychologists shed a lot of emphasis on the five major divisions of the brain that entail the telencephalon, mesencephalon, diencephalon metencephalon and myelencephalon. In the research conducted by Nieuwenhuys et al (2008) it is evident that research psychologists are interested in these parts as opposed to other sub divisions due to their significance, as will be discussed in the essay. The telencephalon, as argued by Nieuwenhuys et al (2008) is an important part of the brain as it contains the cerebral cortex- the outer layer of the brain- that is responsible for neuronal function and organization. The cortex also contains other forms of cortices such as the olfactory bulbs, and sub cortical structures as the globus, amygdale, hippocampal formation, caudate nucleus, and putamen (Nieuwenhuys et al., 2008). Kiernan & Barr (2009) emphasize that the telencephalon is majorly linked to the human neuronal function. On the other hand, Kiernan & Barr (2009) continue to indicate that the midbrain/ mesencephalon entails structures that surround the cerebral duct such as the mesencephalic reticular formation, central/periaqueductal gray, substantial nigra, the superior and inferior colliculi, the red nucleus, peduncles, cranial nerve nuclei and motor and sensory pathways. This part is responsible for both the visual and auditory functions in the human body. Yet another part of the brain that concerns the research psychologists is the diencephalon that consists of nuclei that are aligned systematically on the sides of the midline of diencephalon (Noback et al., 2005). It is at the diencephalon that the epithalamus, hypothalamus, thalamus and sub-thalamus are located (Noback et al., 2005). Through the thalamus, the brain is able to relay sensory information, in the epithalamus, the cerebrospinal fluid is formed, as well as the secretion of the hormone melatonin, whilst the hypothalamus acts as the floor of the right ventricle, and controls the visceral activities such as body temperature, emotions, and thirst (Muller & O'Rahilly, 2006). The metencephalon, a section of the hindbrain, is of interest to research psychologists as it contains the cerebellum which controls the skeletal movements and the pons which consist of nuclei for the four pairs of the cranial nerves (Russell, Hertz & McMillan, 2010). The myelencephalon, yet another section of the hindbrain consists of the medulla oblongata, a section of the brain that regulates breathing in the human body and also controls the cardiovascular system (Muller & O'Rahilly, 2006). From the above description, it is validated to argue that the telencephalon, mesencephalon, diencephalon metencephalon and myelencephalon control the major functions of the human body. It is, therefore, important the research psychologists comprehend the roles of these divisions of the brain so as to explain the reactions of humankind to various responses in the human body. The telencephalon and its connection to amygdala and serial killing As argued by Nieuwenhuys et al (2008), one of the afferents to the amygdala is the fibers that arise from the basomedial telencephalon and the hypothalamus. As argued by Swansona & Petrovicha (1998), the amygdala forms a sub-cortical grey matter along the layers of the temporal lobe. The function of the amygdala is linked to the connection with the hypothalamus, which is a part of the forebrain that contains the telencephalon and diencephalon (Nieuwenhuys et al., 2008). The amygdala then regulates the autonomic and endocrine mechanisms in the brain (Swansona & Petrovicha, 1998). It is therefore evident that the amygdala is a functional system that acts as the regulator of the behaviour patterns of individuals that are reliant on the perceptual and cognitive roles (Swansona & Petrovicha, 1998). Ramsland (2006), in his work on Inside the Minds of Serial Killers: Why They Kill indicates that despite the numerous myths that surround serial killing, the vice can be understood on a psychological point of view. The killers have been indicated to recall the act once done, despite the fact that they are seemingly lost in their senses. Serial killers have been indicated to be addicted to the act, a concept that can only be understood through an understanding of the brain’s neurochemistry (Ramsland, 2006). In the argument of Connors, Bear & Paradiso (2007), the brain is responsible for controlling the occurrence of certain behaviours in the human body, and serial killing is one of the behaviours. In the event that the serial killer is schizophrenic, it is probable that they would have enlarged lateral ventricles and worn-out myelin sheaths in their cerebral cortex as well as abnormal neuron clusters (Connors, Bear & Paradiso, 2007). The ventricles form the part of the forebrain that consists of the telencephalon and diencephalon. This is to mean that the amygdala that contains fibers of the telencephalon plays a huge role in serial killing behaviours. Ramsland (2006) emphasizes this fact by arguing that the brain is the major choreographer of the body’s information systems, which then direct the behaviour to be displayed to the neurotransmitters. The body’s surge for dopamine and norepinephrine increases with the need; thus, the body adapts to the regulation mechanisms (Ramsland, 2006). Dopamine ensures that the body acquires what it wishes and increases with the need. In the event of minimal dopamine levels, an addiction is likely to occur, which leads to the brain seeking for more stimulation of the hormone (Ramsland, 2006). If the brain cannot sustain the provision of the hormone, then the individual results to violence; in this case serial killing. The amygdaloid neurons are then the projectors of the response patterns that are obtained through the hypothalamic stimulations, whether endocrine or autonomic (Swansona & Petrovicha, 1998). The behavioral responses are also linked to the amygdaloid that drives mechanisms in the human body. The amygdaloid cannot be isolated from a discussion of its functions and the telencephalon. The hypothalamic role can be represented also at the amygdaloid, including motivational mechanisms that involve avoidance rage reactions, in this instance, serial killing, feeding and sexual behaviour (Swansona & Petrovicha, 1998). References Connors, B.W, Bear, M.F., & Paradiso, M.A. (2007). Neuroscience – Exploring the brain. Baltimore: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins. Kiernan, J. & Barr, M. (2009). Barr's The Human Nervous System: An Anatomical Viewpoint. NY: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Muller, F. & O'Rahilly, R. (2006). The Embryonic Human Brain: An Atlas Of Developmental Stages. NY: John Wiley & Sons. Nieuwenhuys, R., Voogd, J., Voogd, J., & Huijzen, C. (2008). The Human Central Nervous System. London: Springer. Noback, C., Strominger, N., Demarest, R.J. &Ruggiero, D. (2005). The Human Nervous System: Structure And Function, Issue 744; Issue 2005. London: Springer. Ramsland, K. (2006). Inside the Minds of Serial Killers: Why They Kill. NY: Greenwood Publishing Group. Russell, P., Hertz, P. & McMillan, B. (2010). Biology: The Dynamic Science, Volume 1. London: Cengage Learning. Swansona, L. & Petrovicha, G. (1998). What is the amygdala? Trends in Neurosciences, 21 (8): 323-331. Read More