eli5: How & why do humans ‘feel’ emotions in their abdomen during times of excitement, fear, or stress?
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it is a result of the close connection between the brain and the digestive system. The activation of the sympathetic nervous system can cause changes in the digestive system, leading to the sensation of butterflies in the stomach or other stomach problems.
the enteric nervous system (ENS) which is also known as the second brain is a complex web of neurons that control the digestive system, and the web communicates mainly through the vagus nerve, which runs from the brainstem to the abdomen. during these emotions it releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol which activate the fight or flight response through the sympatethuc nervous system.
the main reason you feel that tightness or butterflies is due to the reduced bloodflow in the area because of those hormones preparing you for fight or flight
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