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The brain can be divided into three evolutionarily developed regions, each responsible for different functions and regulated by specific neurotransmitters, hormones, and biochemical substances.

1. Reptilian Brain (Brainstem + Cerebellum) – INSTINCTS AND SURVIVAL

📌 Function: Responsible for survival, reflexive reactions, instincts, and basic life processes such as breathing, heart rate, and the fight-or-flight response.

🔬 Key Substances:

  • Norepinephrine (NA) – Stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, preparing the body for action (fight or flight).
  • Adrenaline (Epinephrine) – Mobilizes the body to react in threatening situations.
  • Acetylcholine (ACh) – Regulates muscle activity and autonomic functions.
  • Cortisol – The stress hormone, activates the fight-or-flight response but in excess can lead to burnout and anxiety.
  • Dopamine (DA) – In the context of the reptilian brain, it influences the reward system and compulsive behaviors.

🔎 Effects:

  • Activated in response to threats.
  • Regulates automatic and instinctive reactions.
  • Controls aggressive and territorial behaviors.

2. Limbic System – EMOTIONS AND MOTIVATION

📌 Function: Controls emotions, memory, motivation, pleasure, and habits. It includes structures such as the hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus.

🔬 Key Substances:

  • Dopamine (DA) – The key neurotransmitter of the reward system, involved in motivation, addiction, and reward anticipation.
  • Serotonin (5-HT) – Regulates mood, emotional stability, and overall well-being.
  • Oxytocin – Strengthens social bonds, plays a role in love and trust.
  • Vasopressin – Influences social behaviors, aggression, and bonding.
  • Endorphins – Act as natural opioids, reducing pain and increasing feelings of pleasure.
  • Cortisol – Under stress, activates the amygdala, intensifying emotional responses.

🔎 Effects:

  • Regulates pleasure and addiction.
  • Controls emotional learning (reward-punishment associations).
  • Forms strong emotional memories (e.g., trauma, love, stress).

3. Neocortex – THINKING AND CONSCIOUSNESS

📌 Function: The most evolved part of the brain, responsible for logical thinking, planning, analysis, language, and creativity.

🔬 Key Substances:

  • Glutamate – The primary excitatory neurotransmitter, essential for thinking, memory, and brain plasticity.
  • GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) – Inhibits excessive neuronal activity, ensuring balance and focus.
  • Acetylcholine (ACh) – Supports learning, attention, and long-term memory.
  • Serotonin (5-HT) – Helps regulate emotions and mental stability while also influencing cognitive processes.
  • Dopamine (DA) – In the prefrontal cortex, it regulates executive functions, decision-making, and creativity.

🔎 Effects:

  • Enables rational thinking and impulse control.
  • Facilitates planning, strategy, and innovation.
  • Regulates self-awareness, analysis, and emotional control.

Summary

The brain functions as a hierarchical structure, with different parts responsible for various aspects of behavior:

Brain RegionFunctionKey Substances
Reptilian BrainSurvival, instincts, reflexive responsesNorepinephrine, adrenaline, acetylcholine, cortisol
Limbic SystemEmotions, motivation, rewards, addictionDopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, endorphins, cortisol
NeocortexThinking, analysis, impulse controlGlutamate, GABA, acetylcholine, serotonin, dopamine

Thanks to these neurotransmitters and hormones, the brain operates as a cohesive biochemical machine, making decisions, reacting to stimuli, and shaping our experiences.

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