ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the main affect regulation circuits in the brain in order to give an impression of the contributions made by structures on different levels to various emotional categories or forms of cognition. In humans, the play instinct is developed and modified by higher cognitive brain regions, while in lower mammals the play has the character of simple rough and tumble play. Any mental function is a result of a diversity of contributions from different brain regions with varying levels of complexity within the central nervous system. Human brains appear to be evolutionarily prepared to blame others for the emotions aroused, and the prefrontal cortex refines the aggressiveness. Panic attacks occur, among other things, due to the activation of the suffocation alarm system in the brainstem, which is activated when the respiratory system fails to maintain a steady rhythmic pattern. The orbitofrontal cortex has powerful connections to the amygdala and brainstem areas capable of inhibiting and regulating fear responses.
