The Triune Brain (Simplified Model)

The Reptilian Brain (Survival)

To understand why our body language is so revealing, it is useful to employ a simplified model of neurophysiology known as the "triune brain" theory.

Although we now know that this is a didactic simplification and that the brain is interconnected, this model allows us to understand its functioning in evolutionary layers.

The most primitive and deepest part is the reptilian brain. This structure is responsible for our most basic survival functions.

It is responsible for regulating vital and automatic bodily functions, such as breathing, circulation and heart rate.

It also manages our instinctive behaviors, such as the "fight or flight" response.

Over these functions, we have virtually no conscious control. If we had to describe it in one word, this part is purely instinctive.

The Limbic (Emotional) Brain

The next layer that evolved over the reptilian brain is the limbic or mammalian brain.

This part is the processing center for our emotions.

It is fundamental for the management of emotions, short-term memory, motivation and social behavior.

The limbic system plays a key role in regulating our emotional responses and is the reason we experience sensations such as fear, joy or affection.

Like the reptilian brain, this part also reacts extremely quickly and largely outside our immediate conscious control. It is the "seat of emotions".

The Neocortex (Rational)

The outermost layer and the most recent in evolutionary terms is the neocortex, also known as the cognitive or human brain.

This part is especially developed in humans and is the center of complex cognitive functions.

This is where rational thinking, decision making, planning, language, creativity and problem solving reside.

The neocortex allows us to process complex information, analyze situations, formulate moral judgments and interact with the world in a logical and adaptive manner.

It is the part of our brain that we use to deliberately construct sentences, weigh options and consciously decide what message we want to convey.

Summary

To understand body language, we use the simplified "triune brain" model, although this is a didactic simplification. The most primitive part is the reptilian brain.

The reptilian manages survival, automatic functions such as breathing and instinctive responses. On it evolved the limbic brain, the processing center of our emotions.

The neocortex is the most recent and rational layer. It is the center of complex thinking, planning and language. We use it to consciously decide what message to convey.