How the Brain Works

This is not a full scientific description, just some basic information from a lay person's perspective.

The Brain is a giant chemical factory.

When a Neuron fires an electrical impulse, it travels down a fiber called the Axon, until it reaches the end of the line where the chemical molecules are stored in sacks. The blast releases the chemicals.

These chemicals travel to a receiving Neuron which has special receptors that bind with them like a lock and key. These molecules are Neurotransmitters.

Scientists have identified 50 of these Neurotransmitters. There are many more. Among them are Noradrenaline, Dopamine, Endorphin, and Seratonin.

Noradrenaline stimulates the body to produce more Adrenaline.

The chemical Dopamine regulates activity in our brain by acting as an inhibitor so we are not overloaded. It also helps control smooth and controlled movements. A compromise of the flow of this Dopamine can cause disruptive or incoherent thought and even Schizophrenia and poor working memory. Dopamine also can produce feelings of bliss.

Endorphines are natural pain relievers. Researchers think that Endorphines may effect the Dopamine pathways that feed into the Frontal Lobe. The activity of these pathways are held in check by other Neurons that inhibit the flow of Dopamine when vast quantities of Endorphines are released. When other nerves shut off, the result is more Dopamine passing through the pathways, and in the Frontal Lobe which can replace pain with pleasure. This is the HIGH some athletes get from endurance sports.

Seratonin is responsible for our moods, appetite, memory and our ability to learn. It is also thought to effect other Neurotransmitters. The part of the Brain called the Thalamus is the gateway for all sensory information. When sensory information arrives here there is a valve that filters the information and it passes on to the other areas of the Cortex and the Frontal Lobe for final processing. Seratonin influences how the Frontal Lobe makes decisions by helping or hindering the Thalamus.

On the various sections of this site, we have provided detailed descriptions of the various conditions and treatment methods for anxiety and panic disorder, depression, phobia, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder).


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