Two types of origin of emotions
At the heart of the origin (genesis) of any emotion lies a primary focus of excitation. It is the localization of this starting trigger that determines the pathway the development of the emotional reaction will take. All the diversity of emotional manifestations can be divided into two broad categories: endogenous (internal) and exogenous (external). Despite the difference in the initial stages, both of these systems ultimately lead to the formation of a complex response that colors our behavior.
1. Endogenous emotions: from need to feeling
This type of emotion is inextricably linked to our basic, internal biological needs. These include such fundamental sensations as hunger, thirst, fear, or sexual arousal.
The process of forming an endogenous emotion looks as follows:
- Start: The primary excitation arises deep in the brain — in the motivaciogenic centers of the hypothalamus. This is a reaction to a change in the internal environment of the organism.
- Transmission pathway: The excitation spreads in a generalized ascending direction. From the hypothalamus, the signal is transmitted to the structures of the limbic system and then rises even higher — to the cerebral cortex.
- Result: A specific subjective sensation of a particular need develops. When this emotional excitation secondary reaches the cells of the cortex, it begins to exert a powerful influence on behavioral acts, forcing the subject to seek food, water, or avoid danger.
2. Exogenous emotions: reaction to the external world
Exogenous emotions are triggered under the influence of stimuli coming from the outside. In this case, the nervous system must first analyze the signal and only then issue an emotional response.
Stages of development of an exogenous emotion:
- Primary stage: An external factor acts on receptors, the signal goes through specific sensory pathways and reaches the cells of the projection zones of the cerebral cortex.
- Cortical processing: At the cortical level, crucial mechanisms are activated: memory triggers and recognition of the external object occurs. The brain analyzes what it has encountered.
- Secondary stage: After analysis, the excitation is directed in a descending direction. It descends from the cortex to the emotiogenic subcortical centers (in particular, to the structures of the limbic system).
- Result: A specific emotional reaction is formed. Whether it is positive or negative depends entirely on the nature of the external stimulus and the stored memory traces of similar situations.
Unified neurophysiological mechanism
Despite fundamental differences in what serves as the trigger — an internal metabolic need or an external factor passed through the prism of memory — the ultimate mechanism for realizing any emotion is identical.
The essence of this unified mechanism lies in the powerful ascending activating influences that subcortical emotiogenic centers exert on the cerebral cortex.
From the perspective of normal physiology, any emotional state is always an organized, complex complex of excitation of cortico-subcortical formations. It is this combined interaction of ancient subcortical centers and the evolutionarily young cortex that provides that very unique subjective coloring of all our behavioral acts.
Briefly: answers to topical questions
Which specific structures of the limbic system are involved in the genesis of emotions?
The generation and regulation of emotional states involve the "limbic brain", which represents a combination of ancient brain structures. Key structures of the limbic system:
- Hypothalamus (Hypothalamus) — the central link of autonomic and endocrine regulation.
- Septum (Septum) — the area associated with pleasure centers.
- Amygdaloid bodies (Amygdala / Corpus amygdaloideum) — a key role in the formation of fear and aggression.
- Hippocampus (Hippocampus) — memory and spatial orientation, emotional coloring of memory.
- Cingulate gyrus (Gyrus cinguli) — regulation of behavior and autonomic functions.
These structures constitute the structural basis of emotions, ensuring their suppression or enhancement.
Which neurotransmitters ensure the transmission of excitation in emotiogenic centers?
The emotional-motivational background is associated with regulatory mediators, and emotional states are provided by the monoaminergic system through connection with the limbic system. The sources indicate:
- Serotonin — participates in the formation of negative emotional states; restrains excitation within necessary limits.
- Norepinephrine — participates in the formation of positive emotional states; additionally activates centers during body tension.
- Dopamine — is part of the monoaminergic system associated with limbic formations; regulates movements and muscle tone.
- Acetylcholine — belongs to regulatory mediators determining the motivational-emotional background; maintains the tone of nerve centers.
Axons of monoaminergic neurons of the brainstem go to the hypothalamus, thalamus, limbic formations, and neocortex.
To avoid confusing the direction of pathways: ENDOgenous (internal, basic) go "from bottom to top" — ascending direction from the hypothalamus to the cortex. EXOgenous (external, requiring evaluation) go "from top to bottom" — descending direction from the thinking cortex to the subcortex.
Class and exam questions
What is the main difference between endogenous and exogenous emotions?
The difference lies in the primary source of excitation. Endogenous ones are caused by internal biological needs (starting in the hypothalamus), while exogenous ones are caused by external stimuli (starting in the cerebral cortex).
Which brain structures serve as the primary focus during feelings of hunger or thirst?
During basic needs, the primary focus of excitation is located in the motivaciogenic centers of the hypothalamus.
What is the role of the cerebral cortex in the formation of exogenous emotions?
Cells of the projection zones of the cortex are the first to receive the external signal. Memory mechanisms and object recognition are activated there, after which the signal is directed downward to the subcortical centers.
How does physiology define an emotional state?
The emotional state is defined as an organized complex of excitation of cortico-subcortical formations, which gives subjective coloring to our behavior.
What else to study on this topic
- Memory and recognition mechanisms in the cerebral cortex
- Specific sensory pathways for transmitting external stimuli
- Anatomy and functions of emotiogenic limbic structures
- Motivaciogenic centers of the hypothalamus: localization and specialization
- The influence of cortico-subcortical excitation on behavioral acts
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