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The reptilian part of the brain, often known as the reptilian brain or reptilian complex, is an older and evolutionarily primitive part of the brain that is usually located in the main part of the brain known as the brainstem. This part of the brain is characteristic of reptiles and is also present in higher animals, including mammals, including humans.
The reptilian brain is responsible for basic functions such as the regulation of important physiological processes, including breathing, heartbeat, and temperature regulation. It is also responsible for basic instincts such as survival, territoriality and responses to threat.
The name "reptilian brain" comes from the fact that this part of the brain was considered to be characteristic of reptiles. It is also known as the "paleo-brain" or "archicortex". This part of the brain evolved earlier than more advanced parts such as the neocortex, which is found in higher mammals and is responsible for more complex functions including language, thinking and planning.
Animal Part (Limbic System): This part of the brain includes the limbic system, which is more developed in mammals. It is responsible for emotions, memory and learning. The limbic system has various structures such as the hypothalamus, hippocampus and amygdala, and it interacts with the reptilian part and the human part of the brain. The animal part helps us explore emotions, form connections between events, and respond to emotionally charged events.
Human part (Neocortex): This part of the brain is the most developed and characteristic of humans. It includes the neocortex, which is responsible for higher-level cognitive functions such as speech, thinking, understanding, planning, abstract thinking, and self-awareness. The human part of the brain allows us to solve complex tasks, learn and adapt to different situations.
The reptilian part (brainstem and midbrain) and the animal part (limbic system) of the brain are responsible for basic instinctive reactions and emotions. They play an important role in responding to danger, controlling physiological processes and forming emotional responses.
The neocortex (also known as the neocortex or the cortex of the major hemispheres) is the most developed and evolutionarily young part of the brain in mammals, including humans. It occupies a large part of the surface of the brain and is responsible for the high-level cognitive functions that make us human.
the neocortex was approximately 76% of the mass of the human brain
The neocortex consists of six layers of neurons that interact with the external environment and perform various functions. The main components of the neocortex include:
- Frontal lobe: Responsible for planning, decision making, speech, movement and problem solving.
- Parietal lobe: Recorded for the perception and processing of sensory information, including the sense of touch, spatial awareness, and orientation.
- Temporal lobe: Responsible for processing sound information, recognizing faces, storing memory and emotions.
- Occipital lobe: Responsible for processing visual information, color perception and determining the location of objects.
The neocortex plays a key role in higher psychological functions such as speech, thinking, consciousness, imagination, problem solving, planning and decision making. The large area of the neocortex in the human brain reflects mental power, and this part of the brain plays a defining role in what makes us unique animals with high intelligence and the ability to think abstractly.