"Most people in neuroscience and, by the way, I was one of them until recently, thought that consciousness and the process of self are emerging mainly out of the cerebral cortex.
I think that this is incorrect. I think that while the cerebral cortex is extremely important to generate consciousness and in particular the self, the structure that is the key, and without which you wouldn't have self processes at all, is actually in the brain stem. This is very fascinating because it sends you to a set of structures that is very old in evolution. A set of structures that, in essence, have existed since reptilian times. And, maybe, it can even go further back."
Antonio Damasio
"The brain stem provides the main motor and sensory innervation to the face and neck via the cranial nerves. Though small, this is an extremely important part of the brain as the nerve connections of the motor and sensory systems from the main part of the brain to the rest of the body pass through the brain stem. This includes the corticospinal tract (motor), the posterior column-medial lemniscus pathway (fine touch, vibration sensation and proprioception) and the spinothalamic tract (pain, temperature, itch and crude touch). The brain stem also plays an important role in the regulation of cardiac and respiratory function. It also regulates the central nervous system, and is pivotal in maintaining consciousness and regulating the sleep cycle."
From Wikipedia
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