Study Finds Brain System for Emotional Self Control

Summary: 
A recent study published by Brain Structure and Function showed that there are two separate areas of the brain for hiding emotions and for showing emotions. Participants in this study were each shown a scary picture and were told to either hide their emotion or strongly react to the photo. The study showed that those hid their emotions were using the dorso-medial prefrontal area of the brain to perform this restraint. This is the same area of the brain that inhibits motion, showing that these two inhibitions may be linked. This information is significant to those involved in therapy. Studying this area of the brain may highlight whether someone is overly emotional or does not feel emotions, and thus provide help for those in need of it.

Connection:
In class we have been learning about the nervous system and the roles of different areas of the brain.The central nervous system consists of the brain and the spinal chord and directs and coordinates the functions of the body. The peripheral nervous system sends messages to the central nervous system. In the central nervous system the brain is divided into several areas that each perform their own function, just as the dorso-medial area suppresses emotion. The cerebrum directs activity, while the cerebellum coordinates body movement. Similarly, hypothalamus control temperature, the brain stem regulates heartbeat, and the thalamus sorts information. Signals are sent to these areas of the brain such as the dorso-medial through neurons.

Source: Biology News
Link: http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2013/05/11/study_finds_brain_system_for_emotional_selfcontrol.html
Author: R. Waldron