The Basic Layers of the Brain

To understand ourselves, we need to understand a central part of us within our bodies that gives rise to consciousness: the brain.

The basic components of the brain need to be understood to some degree, to understand what they are responsible for and how they generally work. To better understand what is going on in the world, we need to understand some of how we function in consciousness that creates the human world through our actions and behavior.

The triune brain model is a general way to express different sections of the human brain. Other mammals have the same general layers as us humans mammals, and other animals like birds and reptiles have similar areas in the brain that are comparable to the midbrain and neocortex. The triune brain model is divided into:

1. the brainstem hindbrain, also called the R-complex. The "R" relates to reptile because it is found in reptiles as well.
2. the limbic “paleomammalian” midbrain
3. the neocortex “neomammalian” forebrain

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The Brainstem “Reptile” (R-Complex) Hindbrain

This is the oldest and lowest part of the brain that has many components to it. This lower area deals with motor skills, instinct, the fight or flight mechanism for survival, and other routine habits. The base brain is still involved in cognition and emotions, although those qualities are more associated with higher order parts of the brain.

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The Limbic “Paleomammalian” Midbrain

A range of emotions and feelings take place in the middle-brain where chemical interactions occur. This area also deals with smell, long-term memory, motivation and behavior. It's the middle-brain because it's between the base brain and the higher evolved neocortex.

The processes of the basebrain and midbrain are mostly subconsciously or unconsciously operating without willful direction from our consciousness.

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The Neocortex “Neomammalian” Forebrain

The neocortex has the most neural activity and manages higher order thinking. The cerebrum on top is divided into the left and right cerebral hemispheres.

The left and right brain are not completely separate, just like the three main layers of the brain, there is a shared responsibility for the qualities and capacities of consciousness, although there are general qualities that can be categorized according to each side of the cerebrum.

The left brain is considered to have masculine qualities related to rational thought, such as logic, analysis, language, and more. The right side of the brain has more feminine qualities related to emotions, intuition, creative expression, and more.