The role of reverse afferentation in cognitive activity
Every stage of thought implementation is constantly evaluated by the central nervous system. Regardless of whether this stage is a specific physical action or an exclusively dynamic process within the brain itself, the mechanism of reverse afferentation is used to control it.
Incoming feedback signals are distributed through several main channels that ensure complete control over thinking:
- Acoustic channels (evaluation of the sound parameters of speech).
- Visual channels (visual control of results).
- Kinesthetic channels (information from the musculoskeletal apparatus).
- Intracerebral mechanisms (deep-level evaluation of processes directly within brain structures).
Structure of self-regulation: systemquanta
In normal physiology, it is customary to view cognitive activity through the prism of so-called systemquanta. Each such systemquantum has a strict structure and necessarily includes two interrelated links of self-regulation: internal and external. Only their combined work allows a person to fully form a thought and bring it to reality.
Internal link of self-regulation
The internal link is responsible for the hidden, invisible processes of thought formation. First of all, it determines the course of inner speech. The basis for the development of this link is provided by memory mechanisms and the brain's ability to operate with the information integral—the so-called internal "Self".
Results of inner speech activity:
- Formation of semantic concepts (they adequately reflect real objects of the surrounding world and the relationships between them).
- Isolation of key words.
- Fixation of the results of mathematical and other logical operations.
Despite the fact that the process is hidden, it has clear physiological manifestations. Internal thought may be accompanied by micro-contractions of the vocal and oral muscles, changes in respiratory rhythm, as well as various somatovegetative reactions.
The leading mechanism for organizing the internal link is also reverse afferentation. Signals enter the CNS from the muscles and vocal cords, as well as from specialized brain centers. It is these centers that are responsible for the final emotional and semantic evaluation of the result achieved in thought.
External link of self-regulation
The main function of the external link is the direct formation of speech, that is, the transformation of an internal thought into an oral or written verbal phrase.
Numerous effector components are involved in the implementation of this function:
- General motor reactions: posture changes, gesturing, active facial expressions, eye movements.
- Vocal reactions: phonation and articulation.
- Autonomic components: restructuring of cardiac activity, changes in breathing patterns, galvanic skin response (sweating).
- Technical tools: the use of machines, computers, and modern technologies (while the crucial function of evaluating the final results always remains with the human).
Evaluation of activity results
The final evaluation of any muscular or speech act initiated by thought is carried out thanks to a powerful stream of reverse afferentation. The brain receives confirmation signals from a wide range of receptor systems.
| Signal sources | Localization and significance |
|---|---|
| Proprioceptors | Evaluate the tension of the muscles of the tongue, vocal cords, face, eyes, and the whole body |
| Auditory and visual systems | Control the external expression of thought (voice sound, written text) |
| Tactile receptors | Provide information on tissue contact (e.g., during articulation) |
| Oral cavity and respiratory receptors | Evaluate the airflow and position of oral structures during phrase formation |
To memorize the channels of reverse afferentation, use the abbreviation VAZK: Intracerebral, Acoustic, Visual, Kinesthetic mechanisms.
Class and exam questions
They consist of two links of self-regulation: internal (inner speech, memory function) and external (formation of oral or written phrases).
They consist of two links of self-regulation: internal (inner speech, memory function) and external (formation of oral or written phrases).
What serves as the basis for the formation of the internal link of self-regulation?
The basis is formed by memory mechanisms and the brain's ability to operate with the information integral, which physiologists define as the internal "Self".
How does the activity of the internal link physiologically manifest if a person is silent?
It manifests as hidden activity of the vocal and oral muscles, changes in breathing, and various somatovegetative reactions of the body.
Which receptors participate in the evaluation of the results of cognitive activity?
Tactile and respiratory receptors, oral cavity receptors, auditory and visual systems, as well as proprioceptors of the muscles of the face, eyes, body, tongue, and vocal cords participate in the evaluation.
What else to study on this topic
- Mechanisms of formation of semantic concepts and key words
- The role of vocal cord proprioceptors in reverse afferentation
- Interaction of somatovegetative reactions and inner speech
- Intracerebral centers of semantic and emotional evaluation
- Autonomic components of the external link (galvanic skin response)
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