Brain Arousal and Information Theory : Neural and Genetic Mechanisms

Pfaff, Donald

Harvard University Press（2005/12発売）

• 製本 Hardcover:ハードカバー版／ページ数 224 p.
• 言語 ENG
• 商品コード 9780674019201
• DDC分類 612.8

基本説明

Pfaff argues that, beneath our mental functions and emotional dispositions, a primitive neuronal system governs arousal.

Full Description

Arousal is fundamental to all cognition. It is intuitively obvious, absolutely necessary, but what exactly is it? In Brain Arousal and Information Theory, Donald Pfaff presents a daring perspective on this long-standing puzzle. Pfaff argues that, beneath our mental functions and emotional dispositions, a primitive neuronal system governs arousal. Employing the simple but powerful framework of information theory, Pfaff revolutionizes our understanding of arousal systems in the brain.

Starting with a review of the neuroanatomical, neurophysiological, and neurochemical components of arousal, Pfaff asks us to look at the gene networks and neural pathways underlying the brain's arousal systems much as a design engineer would contemplate information systems. This allows Pfaff to postulate that there is a bilaterally symmetric, bipolar system universal among mammals that readies the animal or the human being to respond to stimuli, initiate voluntary locomotion, and react to emotional challenges. Applying his hypothesis to heightened states of arousal—sex and fear—Pfaff shows us how his theory opens new scientific approaches to understanding the structure of brain arousal.

A major synthesis of disparate data by a preeminent neuroscientist, Brain Arousal and Information Theory challenges current thinking about cognition and behavior. Whether you subscribe to Pfaff's theory or not, this book will stimulate debate about the nature of arousal itself.

Contents

Preface and Dedication 1. Toward a Universal Theory of Brain Arousal What Is to Be Explained? Ethology and the Mechanisms of Arousal Operational Definition of Arousal A Quantitative Approach to Physical Measurement of Generalized Arousal The Neurobiology of Arousal Constitutes an Interesting Application of Information Theory Claims for This Chapter and Introduction to Chapters Following 2. Anatomy Is Not Destiny, but a Little Neuroanatomy Helps Multiplicity and Redundancy of Ascending Arousal Pathways Prevent Failure Primitive "Master Cells" in the Brainstem Provide a Neuroanatomic Core that Theoretically Matches the Behavioral Data Long-Distance Lines Tuning Local Modules Summary and Hypothetical Implications for Human Behavior 3. Arousal Is Signaled by Electrical Discharges in a System of Nerve Cells Traveling Up the Brainstem Special Cases: Olfaction and Vision Informational Content Governs Amplitude of Response in Neurons Related to Arousal Cerebral Cortex, the EEG Electrical Activity in Three Arousal-Related Biological Systems 4. Autonomic Nervous System Changes Supporting Arousal; the Unity of the Body Patterns of Autonomic Responses Reformulations A High Information System Shows Coordination sans Correlation Supporting Hormone-Dependent Behaviors Summary 5. Genes Whose Neurochemical Products Support Arousal Genes Associated with Classical Systems Genes Newly Recognized Concepts and Questions Summary 6. Heightened States of Arousal: Sex Compared to Fear Sex Behavior's CNS Mechanisms Require Arousal Generalized Arousal Affects Specific Arousals and Vice Versa Contrast Sex and Fear Applicability of Information Theory Libido and Stress in Humans Summary 7. Major Systems Questions about Brain Arousal Networks What Are Universal Operating Features of Arousal Systems? How Do We Meet the Requirement for Rapid Changes of CNS State? Sensitivity and Alacrity of Response, Yet Stability? How? Does Automata Theory Apply? Questions in the Time Domain Questions about Spatial Properties Thermodynamics, Information Theory, and Questions for the CNS How Does a Sine Wave Impact a Sawtooth? Unity from Diversity? 8. Summary and Practical Importance: From Biological Mechanisms to Health Applications Main Points Applications to Human Conditions Works Cited Acknowledgments Index