Emotions are a fundamental aspect of human nature, aiding in our comprehension of human behaviour. They come in various forms such as happiness, sadness, jealousy, anger, and more, all influenced by hormones secreted from the brain.
In this article, we will delve into the process of emotion formation in the human brain.
What is the Amygdala?
The amygdala is an almond-shaped structure in the temporal lobe, just beneath the uncus. Comprising approximately 13 nuclei, this complex structure aids in decision-making & understanding fear and emotions in the human mind. For example, it triggers an increase in blood pressure during extreme anger.
What is the Insula or Insular Cortex?
The insula or Insular Cortex is a distinct lobe of the brain forming the floor of the lateral sulcus bilaterally. It plays a crucial role in understanding the feeling of disgust in the human brain. For example, encountering an unhygienic environment near a roadside food stall may evoke a sense of disgust, dissuading one from consuming food from that location.
Insula helps in achieving various emotions such as:
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Sensory Processing
It aids in processing sensory information such as sound, smell, taste, sight, and touch.
2. Motor Control
The insula contributes to the hand-eye coordination technique. When these two senses work together, indicating proper brain function.
3. Gastrointestinal Function
The insula regulates basic survival needs such as taste, visceral sensations, and automatic brain control, serving a crucial role in homeostatic functions.
4. Speech Articulation
Part of the brain’s speech-motor control network, the insula can evoke speech disturbances through electric stimulation.
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Self-Awareness
The insula contributes to understanding self-aware emotions such as hunger, thirst, and anger, without requiring external stimuli.
- Decision Making
The Insula cortex plays a significant role in decision-making, such as instructing individuals to wear masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In conclusion, emotions are generated by various parts of the brain, including the amygdala and insula cortex. These structures help in understanding fear, disgust, sensory processing, motor control, speech articulation, self-awareness, and decision-making in the human mind. Understanding the formation of emotions enhances our comprehension of human behaviour and mental health.
