Editing Mind (section)

=== Brain areas and processes ===
Another approach to the relation between mind and matter uses empirical observation to study how the brain works and which brain areas and processes are associated with specific mental phenomena.<ref>{{multiref | {{harvnb|Opris|Casanova|Lebedev|Popescu|2017|pp=69–70}} | {{harvnb|Barrett|2009|pp=326–327}} }}</ref> The brain is the central organ of the [[nervous system]] and is present in all [[vertebrates]] and the majority of [[invertebrates]]. The [[human brain]] is of particular complexity and consists of about 86 billion [[neuron]]s, which communicate with one another via [[synapse]]s.<ref>{{multiref | {{harvnb|Popescu|Opris|2017|pp=23–24}} | {{harvnb|Scanlon|Sanders|2018|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=hXR0DwAAQBAJ&pg=PA178 178]}} | {{harvnb|Yukalov|Sornette|2014|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=NMslBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA38 38]}} | {{harvnb|Pal|2021|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=FdBcEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA145 145]}} }}</ref> They form a complex [[Neural network (biology)|neural network]] and cognitive processes emerge from their electrical and chemical interactions.<ref>{{multiref | {{harvnb|Athreya|Mouza|2016|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=Uc3BDQAAQBAJ&pg=PA52 52–53]}} | {{harvnb|Schoenberg|Marsh|Lerner|2011|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=67SDJTaAIwIC&pg=PA60 60]}} | {{harvnb|Benarroch|2021|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=ekwwEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA437 437–438]}} }}</ref> The human brain is divided into regions that are associated with different functions. The main regions are the [[hindbrain]], [[midbrain]], and [[forebrain]].<ref>{{multiref | {{harvnb|American Psychological Association|2018|loc=[https://dictionary.apa.org/brain § Brain]}} | {{harvnb|Schoenberg|Marsh|Lerner|2011|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=67SDJTaAIwIC&pg=PA66 66]}} }}</ref> Many biological functions associated with basic survival are the responsibility of the hindbrain and midbrain. Higher mental functions, ranging from thoughts to motivation, are primarily localized in the forebrain.<ref>{{multiref | {{harvnb|Sanderson|Huffman|2019|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=gmfDDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA59 59–61]}} | {{harvnb|Saab|2009|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=EFu-_qZiEN4C&pg=PA1 1–2]}} | {{harvnb|Scanlon|Sanders|2018|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=hXR0DwAAQBAJ&pg=PA178 178–180]}} }}</ref>

[[File:Gray726-Brodman-prefrontal.svg|thumb|alt=Diagram of a side-view of the brain with the prefrontal cortex colored in orange|The [[cerebral cortex]] is divided into various areas with distinct functions, like the [[prefrontal cortex]] (shown in orange) responsible for [[executive functions]].<ref name="auto3">{{multiref | {{harvnb|Athreya|Mouza|2016|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=Uc3BDQAAQBAJ&pg=PA52 52–53]}} | {{harvnb|Opris|Casanova|Lebedev|Popescu|2017|p=70}} | {{harvnb|Schoenberg|Marsh|Lerner|2011|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=67SDJTaAIwIC&pg=PA69 69–72]}} }}</ref>]]

The primary operations of many of the main mental phenomena are located in specific areas of the forebrain. The [[prefrontal cortex]] is responsible for [[executive functions]], such as planning, decision-making, problem-solving, and working memory.<ref name="auto3"/> The [[sensory cortex]] processes and interprets sensory information, with different subareas dedicated to different senses, like the [[Visual cortex|visual]] and the [[auditory area]]s. A central function of the [[hippocampus]] is the formation and retrieval of long-term memories. It belongs to the [[limbic system]], which plays a key role in the regulation of emotions through the [[amygdala]]. The [[motor cortex]] is responsible for planning, executing, and controlling voluntary movements. [[Broca's area]] is a separate region dedicated to [[speech production]].<ref>{{multiref | {{harvnb|Athreya|Mouza|2016|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=Uc3BDQAAQBAJ&pg=PA52 52–53]}} | {{harvnb|Schoenberg|Marsh|Lerner|2011|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=67SDJTaAIwIC&pg=PA76 76–77]}} | {{harvnb|Benarroch|2021|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=ekwwEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA437 437–438]}} }}</ref> The activity of the different areas is additionally influenced by [[neurotransmitter]]s, which are [[Cell signaling|signaling molecules]] that enhance or inhibit different types of neural communication. For example, [[dopamine]] influences motivation and pleasure while [[serotonin]] affects mood and appetite.<ref>{{multiref | {{harvnb|Reisyan|2015|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=k_3NCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA91 91–92]}} | {{harvnb|American Psychological Association|2018|loc=[https://dictionary.apa.org/neurotransmitter § Neurotransmitter]}} | {{harvnb|Khushboo|Kumar|Sharma|2020|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=CQXaDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA116 116]}} }}</ref>

The close interrelation of brain processes and the mind is seen by the effect that physical changes of the brain have on the mind. For instance, the consumption of [[psychoactive drugs]], like caffeine, [[antidepressants]], alcohol, and [[psychedelics]], temporarily affects [[Neurochemistry|brain chemistry]] with diverse effects on the mind, ranging from increased attention to mood changes, impaired cognitive functions, and [[hallucination]]s.<ref>{{multiref | {{harvnb|Winkelman|2011|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=SxfOEAAAQBAJ&pg=RA1-PA24 24]}} | {{harvnb|Meyer|Meyer|Farrar|Biezonski|2022|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=8fhgEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA27 27]}} | {{harvnb|Frankish|Kasmirli|2009|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=5Himf4mFKskC&pg=PA107 107]}} | {{harvnb|Bunge|2014|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=AnKoBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA18 18]}} }}</ref> Long-term changes to the brain in the form of [[neurodegenerative diseases]] and [[brain injuries]] can lead to permanent alterations in mental functions. [[Alzheimer's disease]] in its first stage deteriorates the hippocampus, reducing the ability to form new memories and recall existing ones.<ref>{{multiref | {{harvnb|Dash|Villemarette-Pitman|2005|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=M1jSCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA30 30–31]}} | {{harvnb|Turkington|Mitchell|2010|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=SA2X3ZHUZaEC&pg=PT133 115]}} }}</ref> An often-cited case of the effects of brain injury is [[Phineas Gage]], whose prefrontal cortex was severely damaged during a work accident when an iron rod pierced through his skull and brain. Gage survived the accident but his [[personality]] and social attitude changed significantly as he became more impulsive, irritable, and anti-social while showing little regard for social conventions and an impaired ability to plan and make rational decisions.<ref>{{multiref | {{harvnb|Macmillan|Lena|2010|pp=641–643}} | {{harvnb|Marsh|Melvill|Morgan|Norris|2007|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=Q6B-AgAAQBAJ&pg=PA44 44]}} }}</ref> Not all these changes were permanent and Gage managed to recover and adapt in some areas.<ref>{{harvnb|Macmillan|Lena|2010|p=655}}</ref>