Author Mark Solms discusses the source of consciousness, exploring topics like arousal anatomy, volitional feelings, synaptic transmission, neurotransmitters, and the role of the PAG in regulating consciousness and behavior. The podcast delves into the impact of dopamine on emotional states, psychiatric treatments, and the brain's internal model for adaptability.
Consciousness is intertwined with emotional content, showcasing the role of dopamine in mood regulation.
The periacqueductal grey prioritizes affective needs under uncertainty, influencing conscious decisions and emotional responses.
Deep dives
Understanding the Brain's Arousal Mechanisms
The podcast explores the concept of arousal in the brain, delving into where arousal originates, how it physiologically arises, and the shift from reflex to intentional feeling. A case study of a woman with induced depression through electrode stimulation highlights the role of dopamine in mood regulation. The reticular activating system's modulation of emotional states is detailed, showcasing that consciousness is intertwined with emotional content.
Neuromodulation and Synaptic Transmission Basics
The episode delves into neuromodulation and synaptic transmission, emphasizing how neurons pass messages through neurotransmitters and post-synaptic modulation. The significance of neurotransmitters like GABA and glutamate in influencing neuronal firing is discussed. It is highlighted that neuromodulators influence active neurons with relevant receptors, impacting the prioritization of behavioral responses.
Periacqueductal Grey and Affective Regulation
The periacqueductal grey (PAG) is explored as a crucial brain structure that receives error signals related to internal needs and external opportunities. The PAG prioritizes affective needs under uncertainty, influencing conscious decisions and emotional responses. The interplay between the PAG, internal needs, confidence levels, and conscious prioritization of actions is underscored.
The Brain's Internal Model and Predictive Confidence
The podcast discusses the brain's internal model of generating expected outcomes and the importance of adjusting confidence levels in predictions. Long-term memory networks filter present experiences through past lenses, shaping future predictions. The relevance of adjusting confidence levels in uncertain contexts and the parallel with business adaptation to change is highlighted.
It is a pleasure to welcome the author of The Hidden Spring: A Journey to the Source of Consciousness, Mark Solms.
In this episode, we will discuss questions such as where does arousal come from anatomically and how does it arise physiologically? And the central question of today is where the seemingly magical shift from automatic reflex to volitional feeling occurs. Today, we will share some terms like synaptic transmission, reuptake, post-synaptic modulation and the role of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators, and we will also explain the role of the PAG, the periaqueductal grey.
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