What forms human consciousness and how different areas of the brain are important to it? The international neuroscience discussion has been going on for more than 35 years, and a recently published analysis in the journal Neuroscience & Biobehavioral ReviewsBased on more than a century of research, sheds light on this riddle. The results indicate that the oldest areas of the brain may be underestimated in the formation of consciousness.

Neurobiologists define consciousness as the ability to subjective experience-to feel the taste of an apple or notice its bright red peel. Modern theories attribute the key role of the cerebral cortex, especially neocortexa relatively young evolutionary structure, painted in blue in the schemes of the brain. The subscription, or the “ancient foundation”, is under the bark and has almost not changed over the past 500 million years. The subcork or ancient brain structures are necessary for the work of consciousness, but they themselves do not create subjective experience, as electricity is necessary for the TV, but in itself it does not give images.

The cerebellum, a small “brain inside the brain”, for a long time was considered devoid of a role in consciousness. However, experiments show that stimulation of any of the three zones – bark, subcortex or cerebellum – affects consciousness. Electric currents and magnetic pulses aimed at neocortex can change self -awareness, cause hallucinations or affect judgments. The horseshoe can cause extreme effects: depression, loss of consciousness in mice or monkeys. Even the cerebellum can change sensory perception.

Brain damage confirms this. Violation of neocortex affects the perception of hands, objects and impulsiveness. But people born without cerebellum or bark can experience conscious experience, recognize people, play or enjoy music. This suggests that ancient structures can provide basic consciousness or adapt, taking on the functions of new departments. The brain can adapt.

Animal experiments strengthen this idea. In mammals – rats, cats, monkeys – the surgical removal of the neocortex does not deprive them of the joy of the game, manifestations of emotions, leaving themselves and offspring. Even adults demonstrate the preservation of an amazingly wide spectrum of behavioral functions.

New data refutes the point of view that only the cortex is necessary for consciousness. The oldest departments themselves are able to maintain basic awareness, and new structures and cerebellum expand and clarify experience. If the hill sets the rhythm and harmony, then the bark adds a melody, and the cerebellum brings the nuances and color.

This discovery not only changes the theory of consciousness, but also affects patient care and attitude to animal rights. It shows that consciousness can be more common and flexible than previously considered.

Source Notice:

This article is republished from
naukatv.ru
on 2025-09-24 09:53:00.
Content and views belong to the original publisher, not UAE Today News.