ALPHABETICAL BRAIN VOCABULARY Flash Card #80 - Details WHAT IS THE "MAMMALIAN COMPLEX" OF THE PRIMITIVE BRAIN AND WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT? The MAMMALIAN COMPLEX is the middle stage of the three-stages of development of the primitive prehuman brain as it evolved into the human brain over many millions of years! The most rational explanation of how human brains evolved is known technically as the "Triune Brain Theory" explanation of brain evolution. This ancient second stage of development of the primitive prehuman brain has become the modern human LIMBIC SYSTEM. Brain scientists give credit to the "mammalian stage" of the evolutionary brain for establishing the special "mothering" qualities of both men and women as they cared for their young in family groups. This is known as the capacity for empathy and caring (what we call "love") in contrast to the strict self-interest of reptiles who still have only their ancient "reptilian complex" for their brains. Your LIMBIC SYSTEM, which is located deep inside your brain, is the primary source of your "emotional brain" since many of your vital hormones are emitted by the many glands and neurotransmitters inside its intricate structure. Return to #80: MAMMALIAN BRAIN or BRAIN FACTS MATRIX