The interaction between the brain and the environment has significant implications to the shaping of the brain since it affects the production of the hormones. Apparently, studies have proved that hormones can have permanent effects on the brain (Sapolsky, 2005). The gray matter of the brain is fundamentally packed with various nerve cell bodies that are crucial in necessitating the higher functions of the brain such as thinking, decision-making, and even computing. The other part of the brain is primarily the white matter whose primary role is to provide a communication network between various brain regions (Sapolsky, 2005).
In a study that was conducted to determine the effects of brain hormones to the functioning of the brain; neuroscientists found out that cortisol can damage the brain (Sapolsky, 2005). Cortisol that is widely known as the stress hormone can trigger a domino effect that hard-wires the pathway that exists between amygdala and hippocampus thereby creating a vicious cycle. For that reason, the brain can consequently become pre-disposed thereby being in a constant state of fight-or-flight. Other studies proved that chronic stress disorders could make the stem cells in the hippocampus to apparently mature or develop into oligodendrocyte (Bremner, 2013).
In the long-term, oligodendrocyte can trigger subsequent permanent changes in the brain that can lead to the development of mental complications. Besides that, researchers have also proved that myelin formation can be advantageous or dangerous depending on place or time. Perhaps, myelin can assist in bolstering the levels of the sheath between amygdala and hippocampus. However, the development of cortisol can hijack that functioning of the fight-or-flight effect under normal life situations. Hence, the fact that the brain goes through constant changes via plasticity means that human beings can make life choices that can have significant implications on the development of their brain hormones (Bremner, 2013).
- Bremner, J. D. (2013). The Effects of Stress on Brain Function. Psychiatric Times, 20(7), 18-18.
- Sapolsky, R. M. (2005). Biology and human behavior: The neurological origins of individuality. Teaching Company.
