Brain regions Neural systems interact The limbic system Number of brain structures connected to hypothalmus Includes hippocampus & amygdala
Limbic system
Limbic system Electrical stimulation of the limbic system in conscious patients reveals emotion (Ervin & Martin, 1986) Stimulation of the cortex rarely triggers reports of emotion or autonomic activation (LeDoux, 1991)
Amygdala Contains nuclei serving roles in +ive and –ive emotion Information from other parts of brain comes together in amygdala where emotional significance is attached (Aggleton & Mishkin, 1986) Monkeys - Lesion amygdala – normal sensation but low affective value
Amygdala Electrical stimulation in humans associated with subjective reports of emotion
Fear & disgust
Neutral to (125%) exaggerated fear
Fear Expressions Activate the Amygdala (Morris et al. 1996)
75% disgust 150% disgust
Disgust expressions activate insular cortex (Phillips et al. 1997)
Insular cortex Processes unpleasant tastes, smells Processes disgusted expressions
Disorders of Emotion Recognition
(Young, Sprenglemeyer et al 1998)
Facial Expression of Emotion Brain imaging Different emotions activate different brain systems Fear activates amygdala Disgust activates insular cortex
Facial Expression of Emotion Brain damage Damage can selectively affect emotion recognition Amygdala damage impairs recognition of fear Basal ganglia and insular cortex damage impairs recognition of disgust