Higher brain areas regulate from "summary" of Discovering the Brain by National Academy of Sciences,Institute of Medicine,Sandra Ackerman
Higher brain areas regulate the overall functioning of the brain by sending signals to other regions. These higher brain areas are responsible for cognitive processes such as decision-making, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. They play a crucial role in coordinating and integrating information from different parts of the brain to ensure efficient communication and processing. When higher brain areas are activated, they can modulate the activity of lower brain regions, influencing their function and output. This regulation helps in organizing complex behaviors and responses by prioritizing certain information and suppressing others. For example, when faced with a threatening situation, higher brain areas may inhibit the activity of the fear response in order to focus on finding a solution or escape route. Additionally, higher brain areas are involved in learning and memory processes. They help in consolidating information and forming connections between different experiences to create a coherent understanding of the world. Through regulation, these areas can enhance or inhibit the retrieval of memories based on their relevance to the current situation. Furthermore, higher brain areas are essential for social interactions and communication. They enable us to understand the emotions and intentions of others, as well as regulate our own emotional responses in social settings. By regulating the activity of regions involved in empathy and perspective-taking, higher brain areas contribute to successful social interactions and relationships.- Higher brain areas serve as the command center of the brain, regulating and coordinating its various functions to ensure adaptive and appropriate responses to internal and external stimuli. Their influence extends beyond individual processes, shaping our thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and interactions with the world around us.