Do Distinct Brain Circuits Mediate Emotions?
• Electrical stimulation, including self-stimulation, of some brain regions is rewarding. Review Figure 15.10 • Brain lesions have revealed that particular brain circuits and interconnected regions mediate and control emotions. Relevant regions include limbic system sites described in the Papez circuit and other related regions, including the amygdala. Review Figure 15.11 • Fear is mediated by circuitry that involves the amygdala, which receives information both through a rapid direct route and via cortical sensory regions, allowing for both immediate responses and cognitive processing. Review Figure 15.12, Web Activity 15.1 • The left and right cerebral hemispheres process emotions differently. In normal people the right hemisphere is better at interpreting emotional states or stimuli.
