why can we conciously breathe ?

[Lost Ego]

^ i thought its hosted in the frontal lobe. is it not? they say the anesthetics work like this "Ion channels
General anaesthetics inhibit excitatory functions of some central nervous system (CNS) receptors, such as neuronal nACh,[3] glutamate, or 5-HT3 receptors. Some general anaesthetics also excite inhibitory receptors, notably GABAA receptors and TREK. GABAA is a major target of the IV anaesthetics thiopental and propofol.
General anaesthetics may decrease transmitter release presynaptically or decrease excitability of postsynaptic neuron."
i find it even more curious how a dissociate can take your consciousness and allow you to leave your body with it.

 

[Hip]

I think the frontal lobe is responsible for self-consciousness (the conscious awareness of our internal mental state, ie, internal awareness of emotions, memories, etc).

However, though the frontal lobe directs consciousness to the self, it may not be source of consciousness.

The most interesting scientific theory of consciousness for me is the microtubule theory of the source of consciousness. Microtubules are thin filament like structures that are found within human cells. Hameroff and Penrose think that consciousness derives from quantum processes that take place within the hollow interior of microtubules. These hollow interiors are insulated from the thermal noise and disturbances of the outside world by a layer of ordered water attached to the microtubules. This ordered water insulation allows the very, very delicate quantum processes to take place.

The quantum world is quite different to the regular physical world. For example, all happenings in the quantum world are time-reversible; they can undone as easily as they can be done. Plus the quantum world displays spooky phenomena like quantum entanglement.

Since quantum world is also not really physical (although it interacts with and guides the physical world), this ties in with theological ideas that consciousness itself is a non-phhysical, transcendental phenomenon.

Hameroff thinks that anesthetics disrupt the functioning of the microtubules, so that they can no longer host the quantum processes inside them, and so consciousness disappears (until the anesthetic wears off).

This idea of Hameroff/Penrose is a theory; it is awaiting proof.

I only understand the surface details of this nascent theory. You have to know quantum mechanics if you want to go deeper.