Brain Arousal and Information Theory

SToward a Universal Theory of Brain Arousal 1 What Is to Be Explained? Ethology and the Mechanisms of Arousal 2 Operational Definition of Arousal 4 A Quantitative Approach to Physical Measurement of Generalized Arousal 6 The Neurobiology of Arousal Constitutes an Interesting Application of Information Theory 13 Claims for This Chapter and Introduction to Chapters Following 24 D Anatomy Is Not Destiny, but a Little Neuroanatomy Helps 26 Multiplicity and Redundancy of Ascending Arousal Pathways Prevent Failure 26 Primitive "Master Cells" in the Brainstem Provide a Neuroanatomic Core that Theoretically Matches the Behavioral Data 42 Long-Distance Lines Tuning Local Modules 48 Summary and Hypothetical Implications for Human Behavior 51 f Arousal Is Signaled by Electrical Discharges in a System of Nerve Cells 55 Traveling Up the Brainstem 56 Special Cases: Olfaction and Vision 65 Informational Content Governs Amplitude of Response in Neurons Related to Arousal 66 Cerebral Cortex, the EEG 68 Electrical Activity in Three Arousal-Related Biological Systems 68 U Autonomic Nervous System Changes Supporting Arousal; the Unity of the Body 71 Patterns of Autonomic Responses 72 Reformulations 77 A High Information System Shows Coordination sans Correlation 78 Supporting Hormone-Dependent Behaviors 81 Summary 82 f Genes Whose Neurochemical Products Support Arousal 83 Genes Associated with Classical Systems 83 Genes Newly Recognized 90 Concepts and Questions 95 Summary 98 f Heightened States of Arousal: Sex Compared to Fear 99 Sex Behavior's CNS Mechanisms Require Arousal 100 Generalized Arousal Affects Specific Arousals and Vice Versa 107 Contrast Sex and Fear 115 Applicability of Information Theory 119 Libido and Stress in Humans 120 Summary 124 * Major Systems Questions about Brain Arousal Networks 125 What Are Universal Operating Features of Arousal Systems? 126 How Do We Meet the Requirement for Rapid Changes of CNS State? 129 Sensitivity and Alacrity of Response, Yet Stability? How? 131 Does Automata Theory Apply? 132 Questions in the Time Domain 136 Questions about Spatial Properties 137 Thermodynamics, Information Theory, and Questions for the CNS 138 How Does a Sine Wave Impact a Sawtooth? 140 Unity from Diversity? 141 H Summary and Practical Importance: From Biological Mechanisms to Health Applications 143 Main Points 143 Applications to Human Conditions 147