Part 11/16:
The rat brain, especially when flattened into a two-dimensional map, reveals the hypothalamus as a central node housing distinct nuclei for different motivational systems. These nuclei correspond to systems for eating/drinking, reproductive behaviors, and defense mechanisms.
The hypothalamus's structural organization illustrates that these systems are fundamental to value—and that the rest of the brain's role is to mediate, integrate, and resolve conflicts among them. This involves higher-order processes to regulate timing, prioritize actions, and sustain long-term goals like healthy reproduction and survival.