Final answer:
Information processing in pectoral representation involves encoding sensory information and its progression through the cerebral cortex, leading to memory incorporation and response. Cognitive processing, influenced by a variety of factors, determines the brain state and its readiness to respond to stimuli, including involuntary reflexes such as breathing.
Step-by-step explanation:
Information processing in pectoral representation, particularly in split-brain individuals, involves the way our brains encode and process sensory data to form memories and trigger responses. During encoding, we label and organize sensory information from the environment, connecting new concepts to existing ones. This can occur through automatic or effortful processing.
The cerebral cortex is engaged in the initial processing of sensory perception, which then moves on to associative and integrative processing within multimodal areas. This complex interaction leads to incorporation of the stimuli into memory and ultimately translates to a response. The flow of information, from sensory perception to a motor response, involves an intricate system of the cortex, medulla oblongata, heart, and lungs, as can be demonstrated when considering the involuntary release of breath after attempting to 'hold your breath' due to the body's regulatory mechanisms.
The brain's state is influenced by hormones, sensory information, and cognitive processing. Factors such as hunger, fatigue, and threats can shift cognitive priorities, as seen in the fight-or-flight response mediated by structures like the amygdala. The brain's engagement, particularly the prefrontal cortex areas, in these processes is supported by neuroimaging studies, including PET scans, which show different patterns of activation during tasks that involve different types of processing.