Triune Brain

Triune Brain ( engl triune brain) is the 1974 by the American neuroscientist Paul D. MacLean ( 1913-2007 ) introduced term for his concept for describing evolutionary processes that apparently reflected in the functions and structures of the human brain. MacLean said in this model on the brain in three separate areas which, while interacting with each other, but each have their own consciousness and their own modes of expression, needs, memories and perceptions. The three areas are also referred to as " protoreptilisches " " paleomammalisches " and " neomammalisches " brain.

The triune brain

MacLean phylogenetic concept is an attempt to represent different evolutionary stages of development and functioning of the human brain schematically. It states that the human brain can be divided according to neuroanatomical basis with three subsystems, which are multiply connected to each other mutually and exchange information. MacLean has described the totality of these subsystems described by him as the " triune brain." Although each subsystem has its own functionality, never a being existed, which had, for example, an exclusively " protoreptilisches " brain. MacLean reached in the development of this concept to the ideas of James W. Papez and added.

The protoreptilische brain

Components are the brain stem, the diencephalon, the amygdala and other cores. The protoreptilische brain is the " lowest " and phylogenetically oldest form of the brain. Here are innate instincts, it has only limited ability to learn and no social behavior.

The paleomammalische brain

The components of the brain are paleomammalischen structures, coined in 1952 the term limbic system for MacLean. It contains mainly information from inside the body and is therefore also referred to as " visceral " brain. According to McLean, it is the first attempt of nature to develop an individual consciousness. In paleomammalischen brain memory traces are formed and colored affectively and emotionally. It is also responsible for driving the action.

The neomammalische brain

Components of the brain are neomammalischen structures of the neocortex ( with the exception of the limbic cortex). It operates largely irrespective of the endogenous signals of the body or the phylogenetically older brain areas. It designs logical, cognitive concepts and strategies and modified the emotions and impulses of paleomammalischen brain.