An approach to the neurology of aggression

Aggressive behavior is controlled at multiple anatomical levels within the human brain. To illustrate hierarchical neural controls over aggression, we compare and contrast the roles of the hypothalamus, amygdaloid complex, and orbital prefrontal cortex in terms of their distinctive sensory inputs, effector channels, and principles of integration as deduced from observations in animals and man. We illustrate characteristic syndromes of human aggression resulting from hypothalamic, temporolimbic, or frontal cortical lesions. The application of this perspective to research on criminal violence is discussed.