A couple of years ago, I read an article in the New York Times about what's being called the "second brain", the enteric system. Apparently, the enteric brain is involved in the process of digestion. It is a system of neurons and what-not that utilize neurotransmitters like dopamine and seratonin (like in the head brain) in the regulation of the digestive process. It's responsible for peristalis, and enzymes and all that. Here's the Wikipedia link

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enteric_nervous_system

 

It got me wondering about brains and what is a brain and what brain came first etc. It would seem to me, that in terms of evolution, the digestive brain would develop early.... ya gotta eat. And from what I can gather, the parasympathetic (expand) and sympathetic (contract) nervous system are connected and related to this enteric system.

 

So then I started wondering about the "head brain". Sure looks like a bunch of intestines to me. Then I thought, is the functioning of the head brain a form of digestion? Could it be that the head brain is a sophisticated digestive system? Is the integration of sensory impressions a form of digestion? Eat impressions, excrete...... behavior?

 

Anyway, I'm not a scientist and I lack most of the formal training that many of you folks have experienced. But I gather from here and there and try to put my understanding together the best I can. I value the level of knowledge and experience on this forum and I appreciate any impressions or comments.

The brain in your head looks that way because there's a whole load of surface area all "scrunched up" inside the skull, and more surface area means more... well, I'm not sure what exactly, but it's supposed to be a good thing.

The brain in your head looks that way because there's a whole load of surface area all "scrunched up" inside the skull, and more surface area means more... well, I'm not sure what exactly, but it's supposed to be a good thing.

 

It's the compromise nature made between a larger neocortex, a head that can fit through the birth canal, and females with both enough mobility to evade predators and a big enough birth canal to fit giant-headed children

It got me wondering about brains and what is a brain and what brain came first etc. It would seem to me, that in terms of evolution, the digestive brain would develop early.... ya gotta eat. And from what I can gather, the parasympathetic (expand) and sympathetic (contract) nervous system are connected and related to this enteric system.

 

I am no scientist, but here's a scientific theory I strongly lean toward at present. An evolutionary three brain theory.

 

http://www.kheper.net/topics/intelligence/MacLean.htm

 

http://www.psycheducation.org/emotion/triune%20brain.htm

 

http://www.buffalostate.edu/orgs/bcp/brainbasics/triune.html

 

http://www.tc.umn.edu/~athe0007/BNEsig/papers/TriuneBrain.pdf