Self And The Phenomenon Of Life: A Biologist Examines Life From Molecules To Humanity

Self and Emotion 191

“9x6” b2726 Self and the Phenomenon of Life: A Biologist Examines Life from Molecules to Humanity

thus is intimately related to the emotional life. It is here where visceral
sensations are brought to the conscious level, and where an inner image
of the current state of the body is constructed. By presenting this infor-
mation to other emotional centers, including the anterior cingulate
cortex, the visceral sensations are interpreted and sent to the hypothal-
amus before mounting an emotional discharge.^21 Using imaging studies,
the insula is found to be active not only when experiencing pain or dis-
gust, but also when seeing other persons in pain or in disgust, the latter
instance suggesting a role in empathy, a socially related behavior.^22 The
insula is involved in addictive behavior as well.^23

9.5.5 Anterior cingulate cortex

The anterior cingulate cortex (Figs. 9.2 and 9.3; see also Chapter 7,
Figs. 7.10A and 7.11) is intimately related to the insular cortex, receiv-
ing input fibers from the latter. It makes connections with the amygdala
and the thalamus, and strongly participates in the noxious sensation of
chronic pain. Stimulation of this area leads to stereotyped pain responses
such as cardiac slowing, pupillary dilation, pilo-erection (erection of
hair), and shrill vocalization, while its ablation abolishes the emotional
reaction to pain.^24

9.5.6 Ventromedial prefrontal cortex

The prefrontal cortex is the part of the frontal lobe excluding areas relating
to the motor functions and speech; it is capable of rational thinking and
executive function. The lower and midline portion of the prefrontal cor-
tex is called the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, also frequently referred
to as the orbitofrontal cortex (Figs. 9.2 and 9.3; see also Chapter  7,
Fig. 7.11). Being a part of the rational brain that has intimate connec-
tions to the subcortical emotional centers, the ventromedial prefrontal
cortex serves as a liaison between rationality and emotionality. On the
one hand, its judgment function controls and dampens animal impulse;
on the other, it allows temperament to penetrate into reasoning.25,26