For example, why do we vomit when we see something disgusting or why does seeing/hearing something that makes us really sad feel like a punch to the gut?
In: 2
Brain is weird. Brain releases certain hormones and chemicals when it feels certain types of way, stress, anger, love etc. Hormones trigger physical reactions.
Eli5, the brain’s freaking weird
Emotions and feelings are complex experiences that involve both our mind and our body. When we have an emotional reaction to something, it can trigger physical changes in our body. This happens because our brain and body are closely connected through a network of nerves and chemical messengers.
To explain this, let’s take two examples: vomiting when seeing something disgusting and feeling a punch to the gut when sad.
Vomiting when seeing something disgusting: When we see or experience something that we find extremely disgusting, our brain sends signals to the part of our body responsible for controlling nausea and vomiting, known as the emetic center. This area is located in the brainstem. The brain detects the unpleasant stimulus and activates the emetic center, which triggers a series of physiological responses, including increased salivation, queasy stomach, and ultimately, vomiting. This is a protective mechanism to expel potentially harmful substances from our body.
Feeling a punch to the gut when sad: Our emotions, such as sadness, can also impact our body. When we experience intense sadness or emotional distress, it activates the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions. This system has two branches: the sympathetic and parasympathetic. In the case of sadness or grief, the sympathetic branch becomes more active. This can lead to various physical sensations, such as a tightness in the chest or a “punch to the gut” feeling. The sympathetic branch can affect blood flow, digestion, and muscle tension, which can contribute to these physical sensations.
In both examples, the brain processes the emotional information and triggers a cascade of physical responses in the body. These responses are partly due to the release of stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, which can influence various bodily functions. Additionally, the brain’s interpretation and integration of emotions with past experiences and memories can further shape the physical responses.
Latest Answers