The Science of Laughter

6 Questions

Muscle contractions in the abdomen, changes in breathing patterns, increased pressure in the chest cavity

Increased effort on the abdominal muscles

Mammals and some birds

To signal friendly and non-aggressive intentions, especially during play and rough interactions

Used not only during play but also in speech to convey precise meanings and emotions

Releasing neurotransmitters that promote happiness, reducing stress hormones, potentially improving heart health and stress management

Study Notes

Laughing is a complex behavior that involves muscle contractions in the abdomen, leading to changes in breathing patterns and increased pressure in the chest cavity.
Laughing can cause pain due to the increased effort on the abdominal muscles and can also affect muscle responses, leading to sensations like weak legs.
Humans are not the only animals that laugh; studies have shown that mammals and even some birds exhibit laughter-like behaviors during social play.
Laughter may have evolved as a way to signal friendly and non-aggressive intentions, especially during play and rough interactions among primates.
Laughter is believed to have expanded functions after humans separated from other primates, being used not only during play but also in speech to convey precise meanings and emotions.
Hearing laughter can activate key brain areas, prompting smiles or laughter even without the presence of humor, and human laughter is generally louder than play vocalizations in most animals.
Laughter is not just a social signal but is also beneficial for individuals, releasing neurotransmitters that promote happiness and reduce stress hormones, potentially improving heart health and stress management.