Clinical Brain Function

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to explain how the brain works, what happens when behavior goes wrong and how to optimize brain function. The chapter describes briefly five brain systems that are most intimately involved with our behavior and make up much of what is uniquely human.

Specifically, the limbic system is the bonding and emotional mood control center. It mediates the central emotional orientations that govern survival and our social interaction with others. The prefrontal cortex system is the conscious supervisor of behavior, the part of the brain that helps us stay focused, make plans, control impulses and make good or bad decisions. The cingulate gyrus system is the part that allows the shifting of attention from thought to thought and between behaviors. The system of temporal lobes is involved with memory, understanding language and facial recognition. Finally, the system of the basal ganglia controls the body’s idle speed. When this part works too hard anxiety, panic and fearfulness are often the result.