By Robert Sapolsky
Reptilian brain
Also known as the primal brain, this is the oldest part of the brain and is responsible for basic life functions like breathing and alerting us to danger. It’s also responsible for the fight or flight response.
Limbic system
Also known as the paleomammalian brain, this part of the brain is responsible for emotions and is involved in learning and memory. It’s based on instinct and past experiences.
Neocortex
Also known as the neomammalian brain, this part of the brain is responsible for higher cognitive functions like reasoning and logical thought. It’s the outermost part of the brain.
Video by Robert Sapolsky
These three parts of the brain are often described as working together to keep us alive. However, the triune brain hypothesis, which describes the brain as having these three components, has been criticized and is no longer widely accepted by comparative neuroscientists.
