THE ANATOMY OF EMOTIONS

It is suggested that basic emotions are organized via long-axoned, sensory-motor command systems that interconnect higher and lower functions of the brain and other brain emotive functions, such as those that elaborate play and dreaming, may have superordinate effects on those basic emotive circuits.

Abstract

This paper advocates a neurally defined concept of emotions and suggests that basic emotions are organized via long-axoned, sensory-motor command systems that interconnect higher and lower functions of the brain. The detailed nature of an emotive system is depicted using lateral hypothalamic self-stimulation circuitry as an example. The main psychobehavioral function of this system may be to elaborate a command signal that instigates investigatory-foraging behaviors. When it comes under the control of environmental stimuli, the circuit helps elaborate appetitive eagerness and expectancies. The circuit is normally controlled by internal homoestatic imbalances and incentive stimuli. Incentives are defined as external stimuli that have strong unconditional interactions with the foraging circuit. Stimuli that have weak interactions with this command circuit can come to exert stronger effects on foraging tendencies by being paired with incentives that evoke consummatory behaviors. Specifically, reinforcement for such conditioning may emerge from a rapid reduction in the activity of foraging circuitry, induced by the onset of consummatory behavior. All the other basic emotive systems (e.g., fear, rage, and separation distress) may operate via similar principles. In addition, other brain emotive functions, such as those that elaborate play and dreaming, may have superordinate effects on those basic emotive circuits.