The Security Circuit: A Proposed Construct for the Central Nervous System

The theory of the Security Circuit offers a new conceptual framework for the numerous brain functions pertaining to survival. Many such activities are related to the coordination of the conventional physiological systems in the maintenance of homeostasis and the defense of the internal environment. This work, however, focuses on that aspect of brain function that makes possible man's interaction with external environment, thereby facilitating individual and group adaptation and survival.In our schema we greatly enlarge the conceptualization of the autonomic nervous system. We postulate the existence of a central mechanism pertaining to the security and survival function. In its action the complex physiological ANS substrate designated the Security Circuit, is likened to a whirlpool bath, in which balance is maintained with respect to electrically-charged particles rather than water. The use of the Jacuzzi (or whirlpool bath) format makes it possible to tie together the components of the triune brain (MacLean), which consists of R-complex, limbic system, and neocortex.The forebrain, in part, is viewed as the depository of biological symbolism for a huge number of elements, which vary with the individual. Among these are security and support figures, and others that make up meaningful relationships. These are seen as represented on posts, consisting of either individual, or else groupings, of neurons which are linked to the limbic system to trigger oft predictable patterns of behavior and/or emotional expression.The limbic system serves as the energizer in arousal-defense. It also serves to trigger instinctive and other psychomotor patterns in the pursuit of goals which have survival value, while simultaneously producing the chemistry behind emotions useful to man. Some of these psychomotor patterns (i.e., behavior) facilitate the provision of nutrients and warmth for the individual. and so ensure internal homeostasis, while others effectuate group action towards this end.The apparent neuroendocrinal sequence of events in many common environmental situations is discussed. Responses to a perceived threat are examined, noting both the reflex behavior patterns resulting from somatic and ANS discharge, and the associated emotional expression. The chemoelectrical workings of the limbic system keep the central mechanism in a state of balance, while neocortical centers of cognition translate the minute changes in the chemical mix into subjective emotional experience which contribute to the phenomenon of consciousness. The R-complex is seen as the physiological component of the unconscious brain regulating the internal vital functions. The task of the higher centers is not merely to inhibit impulsive (primitive) responses. but also has the following functions: (i) determine the more sophisticated. Effective manner of dealing with perceived threats, and (ii) initiate and facilitate the pursuit of goals promoting survival and well-being for self and group.The human thrust to self-expression or self-actualization is seen as an outgrowth of this process. The theory suggests that intellectual and creative activity within a group is an extension in evolution of primal, survival functions. This thrust has resulted in the growth of culture and development of civilization. While the related neurophysiological activities enhance security and environmental adaptation for self and group, they simultaneously resolve heightened microelectrical tension within the underlying mechanism within the individual's neuroendocrinal complex. The brain, and autonomic and endocrine systems are seen as parts of the same physiological system which pertains to security, survival, and well-being. The concept is presented that the thrust to maintain microelectrical balance within the Security Circuit (a substrate of the CNS) has been the ever-present, ongoing driving force behind the evolution of the “higher,” neocortical centers of consciousness during the psychosocial phase. These centers have responded in a highly specialized way over the millennia to the numerous stress factors posed by an often hostile environment.Supportive data favoring the existence of the Security Circuit taken from ethology, cultural anthropology, psychology and psychoanalysis, Soviet psychophysiology, clinical medicine and psychiatry, psychopharmacology, psychosurgery, the sociology of religion, and sociobiology are presented. Pertinent gleanings from history, seen as a study and record of past human ethology, further substantiate the theory.If one accepts modern evolutionary theory, and the validity of applying the biologic principle of homeostasis to neurophysiology, one is led to the inescapable conclusion that the unique nature and cultural development of man is the result of the function of a central neuroendocrinal mechanism. A startling implication of the theory is the sure existence of a heretofore indistinctly delineated physiological system whose functions relate to man's well-being, security and survival, either for self or group.

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