PSY FPX 7310 Assessment 1 The Papez Circuit:It’s Effect on Behavior and Memory

Student Name

Capella University

PSY FPX 7310 Biological Basis of Behavior

Prof. Name:

Date

The Papez Circuit: Its Effect on Behavior and Memory

Introduction

The human mind is an extraordinary creation, consisting of numerous intricate parts, each with a profound impact on various aspects of human life. Among the many intriguing aspects of the human brain that captivate the field of psychology is the question of how emotions and memory are influenced by brain development or external events. As the brain undergoes various developmental stages or experiences external impacts, emotions and memory are two key behaviors that can be significantly affected, as explained by the Papez circuit model (Heilman, 2002). Key structures such as the fornix, mammillary bodies, anterior thalamic nucleus, cingulate cortex, and hippocampus (Jacobson & Marcus, 2008) serve as the pathways through which emotions and memories are processed. Understanding this complex neural pathway is crucial as it holds significant implications.

The Papez Circuit Neural Pathway

Neurology, as the name suggests, is the study of the nervous system and its interaction with the brain. A neural pathway refers to the route through which messages and sensations travel within the nervous system, moving to and from the brain, resulting in various behaviors and phenomena (Mumenthaler & Mattle, 2006). One of the critical components of the Papez circuit is the hippocampus, a brain structure located deep within the temporal lobe of each cerebral cortex. The hippocampus plays a pivotal role in regulating motivation, emotion, learning, and memory. It is a vital part of the limbic system, situated in the central and lateral regions of the brain, coordinating these essential functions (Sinah Dutta WEBSITE, 2019).

Despite its complexity, the process of emotions and sensations moving through the brain follows a pathway that targets multiple regions. For instance, when a stimulus—such as a smell, visual experience, or auditory input—occurs within a person’s environment, it first enters the brain through the thalamus. The sensory cortex then processes these stimuli and relays them to the cingulate cortex, where emotions are formed. At this stage, the information reaches the hippocampus, where emotions and experiences are stored, leading to the creation, storage, or loss of memories. Various factors, such as trauma at birth, accidents, or developmental issues, can influence this process (Dharani, 2015). If the neural pathway remains unaffected, the body will respond to the original stimulus; however, if impacted by physical, chemical, or environmental factors, the response may be altered or absent.

PSY FPX 7310 Assessment 1 The Papez Circuit:It’s Effect on Behavior and Memory

The concept of “memory overload” might suggest difficulties in retaining large amounts of information from daily experiences. However, according to Samantha Kileen, NCSP, multiple factors contribute to memory retention and the behaviors associated with the Papez circuit. She explains that “abuse, environmental factors, and even birth-related issues can cause disruptions in the normal neural pathway, leading to difficulties in managing emotions” (Kileen, 2020). Additionally, she notes that traumatic brain injuries, such as those resulting from severe accidents, can damage the hippocampus, leading to memory problems. She also highlights the role of genetics, particularly in conditions like dementia, where the hippocampus may already be compromised, leading to memory issues later in life that are not directly related to the Papez circuit (Kileen, 2020). Overall, the neural pathway associated with the Papez circuit is closely linked to memory loss and changes in behavior, such as introversion or extroversion.

Lesions along the neural pathway of the Papez circuit often result in varying degrees of memory loss. Research indicates that lesions detected in the sensory or cingulate cortex can be a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease (Dharani, 2015). Furthermore, neurologists have observed a correlation between episodic memory loss—whether short-term or long-term—and damage to or alterations in the Papez circuit. If the hemisphere containing the hippocampus is damaged or altered, it can lead to significant changes in behavioral responses. For instance, individuals who were previously passive may exhibit more aggressive tendencies, or those who were extroverted may become introverted. Many neurologists believe that these changes are due to altered perceptions in the affected individuals (Jacobson & Marcus, 2008). In general, damage to the Papez circuit is closely associated with altered behaviors and emotions.

References

Dharani, K. (2015). The biology of thought: A neuronal mechanism in the generation of thought—A new molecular model. San Diego, CA: Elsevier Academic Press.

Heilman, K. M. (2002). Matter of mind: A neurologist’s view of brain-behavior relationships. New York, NY: Oxford University Press. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195144901.001.0001

Jacobson, S., & Marcus, E. (2008). Neuroanatomy for the neuroscientist. New York, NY: Springer.

Kileen, S. (2020, January 30). Personal interview.