THE SOCIAL BRAIN: NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL FOUNDATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES

Abstract

The human asset of the social brain is an evolved system that draws upon focal as well as globally connected brain mechanisms. These are dynamic and flexible anatomical routes operated for co−operation and co−ordination in intelligent behaviors. Divers cues and inputs from interaction, especially human social interaction are processed with reference to innate and acquired mental assets for inference and consequent generation of appropriate output (response). The focal and global connections are now subject to view with functional neuroimaging technology. Brain mapping approaches are now adding to the comprehensive understanding of neurophysiology. The technology-driven scientific advances have disclosed serious threat of environmental pollutants for the complex, dynamic but delicate neural architecture operating the social brain. The dreads are worst at early developmental stages and later in the aging phase of the population. It is very huge challenge of the quality of human beings, society and life. There is a myth also that Hitler’s hatred arose in such very contexts. The need for befitting response to the challenge by a medical fraternity is urgent. This narrative attempts to briefly introduce neurophysiological and neurotoxicological perspectives in this context for general reading among medical basic science and clinical educators and students. The interdisciplinary perspectives also indicate the research vistas and the development of preventive and corrective interventions.

KEYWORDS: Cognitive neuroscience, Environmental toxicology, Neuronal networks, Neurotoxicology, Social cognition.