Superior pattern processing is the essence of the evolved human brain
Open Access
- 22 August 2014
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Frontiers Media SA in Frontiers in Neuroscience
- Vol. 8, 265
- https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2014.00265
Abstract
Humans have long pondered the nature of their mind/brain and, particularly why its capacities for reasoning, communication and abstract thought are far superior to other species, including closely related anthropoids. This article considers superior pattern processing (SPP) as the fundamental basis of most, if not all, unique features of the human brain including intelligence, language, imagination, invention, and the belief in imaginary entities such as ghosts and gods. SPP involves the electrochemical, neuronal network-based, encoding, integration, and transfer to other individuals of perceived or mentally-fabricated patterns. During human evolution, pattern processing capabilities became increasingly sophisticated as the result of expansion of the cerebral cortex, particularly the prefrontal cortex and regions involved in processing of images. Specific patterns, real or imagined, are reinforced by emotional experiences, indoctrination and even psychedelic drugs. Impaired or dysregulated SPP is fundamental to cognitive and psychiatric disorders. A broader understanding of SPP mechanisms, and their roles in normal and abnormal function of the human brain, may enable the development of interventions that reduce irrational decisions and destructive behaviors.Keywords
This publication has 142 references indexed in Scilit:
- Norepinephrine-mediated emotional arousal facilitates subsequent pattern separationNeurobiology of Learning and Memory, 2012
- Young Dentate Granule Cells Mediate Pattern Separation, whereas Old Granule Cells Facilitate Pattern CompletionCell, 2012
- Models of place and grid cell firing and theta rhythmicityCurrent Opinion in Neurobiology, 2011
- Psilocybin occasioned mystical-type experiences: immediate and persisting dose-related effectsPsychopharmacology, 2011
- Effects of aerobic exercise training on cognitive function and cortical vascularity in monkeysNeuroscience, 2010
- Hippocampal NMDA receptors and anxiety: At the interface between cognition and emotionEuropean Journal of Pharmacology, 2010
- Effects of musical training on sound pattern processing in high-school studentsInternational Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 2009
- Voluntary exercise and caloric restriction enhance hippocampal dendritic spine density and BDNF levels in diabetic miceHippocampus, 2009
- Spatial representation across species: geometry, language, and mapsCurrent Opinion in Neurobiology, 2009
- Flaked stones and old bones: Biological and cultural evolution at the dawn of technologyAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology, 2004