Brain Activity/Structure explanations of aggression

Question 1

the limbic system

Answer 1

The limbic system has a role in self-preservation, for example, the fight or flight response to danger. Therefore, if someone was faced with a confrontation the limbic system might lead to them creating an anger response to the perceived threat.

Question 2

parts of the limbic system

Answer 2

amygdala
hypothalamus
periaqueductal grey area is in the midbrain,
prefrontal cortex

Question 3

amygdala

Answer 3

the ‘source’ of emotions such as aggression (source of aggressive impulses). It takes in information and ‘decides’ on an emotional response.
* People who have more activity in the amygdala (particularly the right amygdala) tend to be higher in aggression.

Question 4

hypothalamus

Answer 4

responsible for controlling homeostasis in the body particularly levels of hormones such as testosterone. Aggression can be influenced by hormones such as testosterone therefore the hypothalamus controlling this ties it into the cause of aggressive behaviour.

Question 5

periaqueductal grey area is in the midbrain

Answer 5

it links the hypothalamus, amygdala and
prefrontal cortex together. It has the job of coordinating and integrating behavioural
responses

Question 6

prefrontal cortex

Answer 6

to controlling emotion, self-control and regulating our behaviour. Damage in the
ventromedial prefrontal cortex leads to impairments in behavioural control and decision making.
* Those who have less activity/under-developed/smaller/damaged PFC are less able to control their behaviour and emotions.