Social Perception and Rage and Agression

FFA

Fusiform ventral gyrus in the ventral occipitotemporal cortex, important for processing facial identity.

STS

Superior temporal sulcus, involved in processing facial expressions and biological motion.

Phenotypic quality

Indicator of how well an individual's genome can resist disease and maintain normal development.

Dihydrotestosterone

A hormone that external genitalia development is dependent on, particularly for males.

Testosterone determination factor (TDF)

Gene on the Y chromosome that triggers the development of testes in males.

Organizational effects of testosterone

Effects that shape brain anatomy and behavior during early development.

Activational effects of testosterone

Effects that influence behavior directly in adulthood, often regarding aggression.

SDN POA

Sexually dimorphic nucleus of the preoptic area of the hypothalamus, larger in males than females.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter that regulates mood and impulsive behaviors, including aggression.

5-HIAA

A metabolite of serotonin associated with aggression; low levels indicate high aggression.

Monamine oxidase (MAO)

An enzyme that breaks down monoamine neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin.

Aggression

Behavior characterized by hostile or violent actions, influenced by hormonal and neurological factors.

Mesolimbic DA pathway

Dopamine pathway associated with the reward system and attractiveness.

Facial symmetry

Asymmetrical faces may be perceived as less attractive and indicate lower genetic quality.

Amygdala

Brain region involved in processing emotions, particularly fear and aggression.

Wolffian ducts

Structures that develop into male reproductive organs under the influence of testosterone.

Mullerian ducts

Structures that develop into female reproductive organs if testosterone is absent.

Oxytocin (OT)

A hormone that facilitates maternal behaviors and may reduce fear and anxiety.

Aggression circuits in the brain

Neural pathways involved in regulating aggressive behaviors, including the amygdala and hypothalamus.

Rhesus macaques

A monkey species used for studying aggression and hormonal influences in social behavior.

Testosterone and aggression link

High levels of testosterone are associated with increased aggression and competitive behavior.

Gender differences in aggression

Male animals often display greater aggression than females, influenced by testosterone levels.

Prenatal hormonal exposure

Hormones such as testosterone affecting behavioral outcomes and aggression in adulthood.

External genital differentiation

Process by which male or female external reproductive organs develop depending on hormonal exposure.

Impulsivity

The tendency to act without forethought, often linked to aggressive behavior and low serotonin levels.

Glucose metabolism in OFC

Increases in the orbitofrontal cortex are blunted in aggressive personality disorders.

Social status competition

Aggression can be a means of competing for or defending social status, more prevalent in animals.

Neuritic growth

Growth of neuritis affected by steroid hormones like testosterone and estrogen.

Defensive rage response

An aggressive response elicited by stimulating certain brain regions like the midbrain and amygdala.

Castration effects on behavior

Removal of testes reduces testosterone and typically alters aggressive behavior.

Testosterone's role in parenting

Increased testosterone may influence competitive behaviors, affecting parental care dynamics.

Environmental interaction with genetics

Certain genes may only express aggressive traits when combined with specific environmental conditions.

Non-violent vs violent criminals

Differences in testosterone levels may correlate with the propensity for violence in criminals.