“small world, the brain of a man of immense”
Friedrich Schiller
the Human brain – the pinnacle of evolution. It solves many complex problems. It helps people to comprehend the mysteries of the world, but this on still largely remains a mystery to us.
Scientists found that the brain has evolved gradually. At this stage, they allocate it to the triune system:
- the reptilian brain (reticular);
- limbic brain (emotional);
- neocortex (cortex cerebral or brain).
they Develop as they grow older person in the same sequence as was their formation in the process of evolution. Each system performs its functions and is essential for our life. The level of control for each of the systems is also different. And the least influence of the consciousness that is amenable to the reptilian brain. About him and talk.
what is the power of the reptilian brain
the Reptilian brain more than 100 million years. He is absolutely all animals, ranging from reptiles. It is from the presence of this structure even in reptiles and resembles such an interesting name. It is located in the back of the head, specifically – upstairs of the vertebral column.
the Main functions of the reptilian brain:
- maintaining the life of the body – he is responsible for the rhythm of breathing, heart rate and other physiological processes;
- instant response to external stimuli – for example, we otdeleniem hand from hot almost automatic;
- protection from danger-the danger may be real or imaginary.
Why are all the incentives we react that is the most “unintelligent " reptilian brain? Because the signals from the external and internal environment are received through the spinal cord in reptilian, and then to the limbic and the neocortex.
Chain of reaction to any stimulus is the following: first there are SENSATIONS →then experienced certain EMOTIONS → only after that we REALIZE, CONSIDER, UNDERSTAND.
It all happens in a fraction of seconds, but if the reptilian brain perceived the stimulus as potentially dangerous, often we start to act illogically and contrary to common sense.
How you act in a stressful situation, decides the reptilian brain
You've been hearing a lot of stories about how in a stressful situation people have shown themselves quite unusual way:
- people with poor physical training took the three-meter fence, running away from an angry pit bull;
- ideally educated intellectuals beat the offender;
- student, not a word is said in an important exam, although the month responsibly prepared.
And to explain his behavior then they could not. Why? It is all a Ruse reptilian brain, which in extreme situations completely takes control of the body. Any danger, whether real or imaginary, it reacts in one of the following ways:
- Run – escape from the event, avoidance of situations that may cause harm. If real danger – this is an effective strategy of behaviour in the case of imaginary threats such behavior is a hindrance. For example, man cannot bring himself to speak in public for fear of criticism.
- Bay – the manifestation of aggressive behaviour, the apparent threat. Again, in the event of a real threat it is really necessary. But if, as a threat that a person perceives even constructive criticism, petty remarks, he may be aggressive unnecessarily, be too quick-tempered and a conflict that is not conducive to building good relationships.
- Freeze – strategy and absolute torpor of inactivity as lizards who pretend to be dead to the striker went past.
Any response, triggered by the reptilian brain-an instinctive action designed to protect us from threats. We have no control.
"Achilles heel" reptilian brain
the reptilian Brain, despite its primitiveness, helps us to survive. It is of great importance, affects the rate of reaction and volume of processed information. Even when we sleep, it works.
But he has a weak spot – the exaggeration of the danger. Any unclear situation he perceives as a threat to physical, social or emotional state. It causes fear and forces us to abandon the many possibilities of realization of new ideas.
Sometimes the reptilian brain makes us fearful, like a lizard, and sometimes bloodthirsty, like an alligator. It all depends on the current situation and previous experience. A strategy that helped it to survive before and will be used.
Awareness of this fact will help to understand the motives of our actions, before seeming completely illogical.
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