Brain structure, function & aggression (AO1)

• What happened in the case of Phineas Gage?

  > Tamping iron through his skull

  > Developed brain infection

  > Lost use of left eye

  > Damaged pre-frontal cortex

  > Memory was intact

  > Changed his personality as being more aggressive, rude and impulsive

  > Described as psychopathic
• What are the four cortical areas in the brain?

  > Frontal lobe

  > Parietal lobe

  > Temporal lobe

  > Occipital lobe
• What is the function of the frontal lobe?

  Planning and emotions
• What is the function of the pre-frontal cortex in the frontal lobe?

  > Relates to dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline which relates to emotions

  > Low levels of activity lead to increased aggression
• What is the function of the parietal lobe?

  > Linked to sensations (e.g. pain)
• What is the function of the temporal lobe?

  > Processing and interpreting sounds

  > Contains hippocampus which processes memory
• What is the function of the occipital lobe?

  > Linked to vision

  > High levels of activity is linked to high levels of aggression
• What is the function of the Corpus Callosum?

  > connects the two hemispheres of the brain

  > Involved with regulation and control of behaviour + understanding long term implications

  > Low levels of activity lead to aggression
• What are the components of the limbic system?

  > Hypothalamus

  > Amygdala
• What is the function of the Amygadala?

  > Identifies threat and self-preservation

  > Has a role in arousal, aggression and the 'fight response'

  > Smaller amygdala associates with increased aggression
• What is the function of the hypothalamus?

  > Regulates behaviours such as pain, anger and aggression

  > Regulates autonomic nervous system including blood pressure and arousal levels