The purpose of the following research is to examine the neurophysiological and psychological roles in criminal behavior. Emphasis will be placed on explaining how various structures of the brain influence behavior under normal and abnormal conditions.
The organization of the research is as follows. First, a general background of the human nervous system and organs of the brain is presented. This will acquaint the reader with certain physiological aspects which are partly responsible for human behavior. Next, various theories and experimental findings are discussed and analyzed with regard to their pragmatic value and/or controversial nature. Finally, there are a few summarizing remarks made on brain and behavioral research.
The nervous system of the human body can be divided into two branches called the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system. The peripheral system consists of two subsystems designated as the autonomic and somatic systems. The autonomic system works without any conscious control to maintain homeostasis throughout the body. It accomplishes this by stimulating or inhibiting the actions of several organs and glands, including the heart, lungs, stomach, liver, kidneys, pancreas and sensory organs.
The sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for the general stimulation of certain structures, and in preparing the body during "fight-or-flight" reactions. The exhibition of strong emotions would involve the action of this sympathetic division. The parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system counterbalances the effects of the sympathetic division by slowing down or inhibiting various bodily functions. Such a system provides a means of maintaining normal homeostatic conditions and conserving bodily resources.
The other branch of the peripheral nervous system, the somatic system, operates under voluntary control and is responsible for many move...