Triune Brain - a simplified model of Brain
Triune Brain - a simplified model of Brain
by Rahul Agarwal
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Layered Brain
Layered Brain
The brain is composed of cells that are known as neurons. The human brain has approx. 100 billion neurons and each neuron is connected to 10000 other neurons, making it one of the most complex objects in the whole universe.
In the context of human behaviour, it is simpler to think of the brain as coming in three functional layers – a model also known as Triune Brain. These functional layers can be classified as:
- Brain Stem
(also called Reptilian Brain or Motor Brain)
This functional layer of brain has survival instinct – coping with stress via fight or flight in autopilot.
It does all the regulatory stuff. For example, on sensing body temperature change, it causes you to sweat or shiver. Or on sensing that the hand has touched something hot, it instructs muscles to retract immediately.
The Survival State represents the primal brain and asks the question, “Am I safe?”
The only way to soothe the Survival State is through the creation of Safety.
2. Limbic System
2. Limbic System
(also called Mammalian Brain or Intuitive Brain)
This layer is our connection centre – emotions, instinctive faculties, attachments, fear, arousal, anxiety.
It is important for social relationships, parental care, bonding and empathy.
This Brain State represents mid-level functionality and asks the questions, “Am I loved?”
The only way to soothe an upset emotional state is through Connection.
3. Cortex/Neo-cortex
3. Cortex/Neo-cortex
(also called Human Brain or Thinking Brain)
This layer is our executive control – thoughts, learning, cognition, problem solving, language, abstract thoughts, imagination, consciousness.
The topmost layer is involved with impulse control, long-term planning, emotional regulation, reasoning, rational thinking.
The Executive State represents the optimal state for problem solving and learning.
This Brain State asks the question, “What can I learn from this?”.
Interplay of Functional Layers
Interplay of Functional Layers
For a balanced behavior, these 3 functional layers have to work in cohesion.
The pre-frontal cortex takes care of integrating the 3 layers
In absence of sufficient control by cortex, the lower layers can hijack it
In an airplane that is experiencing turbulence, travelers freak and panic, as reptilian brain takes over.
when we're under stress, we make stupid impulsive decisions that seem brilliant at the time.
When we're hungry, there would be tendency to go lenient on morals.
On finding someone in emotional distress, our limbic system activates and drives our behaviour based on emotional control.
when you think about some wonderful things that have happened in your life, your cortex is evoking a memory that's got your limbic system humming in excited state.
Hand Model of Brain
Hand Model of Brain
The Triune Brain or the 3-layered Brain model can very well be represented using your hand. This model was introduced by Dr Dan Siegel.
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