Chapter 10: Emotions

These flashcards cover the essential concepts, theories, and brain structures related to emotions discussed in Chapter 10, helping in understanding emotion processing and its effects on cognition and behavior.

What are the three commonly agreed-upon components of emotion?

Physiological reaction to a stimulus, behavioral response, and subjective feeling.

What structure in the brain is primarily involved in emotion processing?

The amygdala.

How do basic emotions differ from complex emotions?

Basic emotions are innate and universally recognized, while complex emotions involve combinations of basic emotions and may be socially learned.

What is the role of cortisol in the stress response?

Cortisol increases blood glucose levels and decreases inflammatory responses, aiding in an acute stress situation.

What are the two pathways through which information reaches the amygdala?

The 'low road' from the thalamus to the amygdala, and the 'high road' from the cortex to the amygdala.

What does the somatic marker hypothesis suggest about decision making?

Emotional information, in the form of physiological arousal, is necessary to guide decision making.

Describe the James-Lange theory of emotion.

It posits that emotions are the result of physiological reactions to stimuli, where we feel emotions after our body responds.

Explain the Cannon-Bard theory of emotion.

It states that emotions and physiological reactions occur simultaneously and independently, as the thalamus sends signals to the cortex and body.

What is the function of the insula in emotion?

The insula integrates visceral and somatic input, forming a representation of the internal body state.

What is interoception?

The perception of internal bodily states.

How do emotions influence cognitive processes like decision-making?

Emotions can modulate attention and memory, impacting how decisions are made and evaluated.