Part 5/10:
Starting with the brainstem, the oldest section of our brain, we find reflexive responses to sound—a flinch at startling noises, for example. Above that lies the basal ganglia, which engages when we encounter pleasure, responding to the appealing qualities of sound. As one ascends further into the brain, we encounter the amygdala, the area associated with emotional experiences such as joy, sorrow, anger, and fear. Finally, the neocortex—the brain's more advanced layer—processes the complexities and patterns found in music. Together, these regions reflect our innate musical abilities, starting early in life and shaping our interactions with sound.