What are the causes of perceived emotions?

[SamBridge]

As as I understand it, there's some event and there's neurological connections between neurons triggered by the release of a chemical which triggers the signal that travels through other neurons that eventually reaches the hypothalamus which releases that would eventually cause the perceived feeling of let's say...anger. How exactly does that chemical go about "causing" that feeling? The chemical get's released, does it get released through the brain?

 

[jedishrfu]

perhaps this will help, its at a higher level than cell to cell

http://lakesideconnect.com/anger-and-violence/how-does-anger-happen-in-the-brain/

and this description too:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070813190007AANiNoU

 

[SamBridge]

So it seems to make sense in layman terms for the most part, but it seems to be missing a few details. It says an emotional "charge". The data is sent "limbic" system if its a powerful enough of a "charge". Does this refer to an electro-magnetic charge such as that it shifts the dynamic equilibrium of a reversible reaction involving different charged ions that are broken by water or that the data get's passed throuh the brain, the signal is sent to many neurons, or if "enough" of the chemical is released and builds up, it essentially opens/overrides the gateway to the limbic system? And by what process exactly?
Then the other detail is that it says the hormones are "released", but where are they released, and upon their release, what sequence of events following leads to the perception of physical and emotional "alarm"?

 

[jedishrfu]

So it seems to make sense in layman terms for the most part, but it seems to be missing a few details. It says an emotional "charge". The data is sent "limbic" system if its a powerful enough of a "charge". Does this refer to an electro-magnetic charge such as that it shifts the dynamic equilibrium of a reversible reaction involving different charged ions that are broken by water or that the data get's passed throuh the brain, the signal is sent to many neurons, or if "enough" of the chemical is released and builds up, it essentially opens/overrides the gateway to the limbic system? And by what process exactly?
Then the other detail is that it says the hormones are "released", but where are they released, and upon their release, what sequence of events following leads to the perception of physical and emotional "alarm"?

We don't know enough about the brain to get into the molecular circuitry like we do with computers. We do know that ther are neurotransmitters that propagate signals from one neuron to the next. We know that when you recall a memory you simultaneously destroy it and recreate it in a slightly different form. We know that emotions are processed by certain parts of the brain and that rational thinking is done in other parts. But we don't know the full details of how all that works at the level of a computing system.

 

[LudusRex]

The perceived emotions that we experience are the result of complex biological processes within our brains. When we encounter an event or situation, our brains interpret it and trigger the release of certain chemicals, such as neurotransmitters and hormones, that affect our emotions.

The specific chemicals involved in causing emotions vary depending on the type of emotion being experienced. For example, the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin are associated with positive emotions, while the release of cortisol and adrenaline are associated with negative emotions like fear and anger.

The release of these chemicals is controlled by the hypothalamus, a small region in the brain that acts as the control center for the autonomic nervous system. The hypothalamus receives signals from other parts of the brain, such as the amygdala and the prefrontal cortex, which help to interpret the event and determine the appropriate response.

Once the hypothalamus receives these signals, it triggers the release of hormones from the pituitary gland, which then travel through the bloodstream to different parts of the body, including the brain. These hormones can affect our physical and mental state, leading to the perception of emotions.

It is important to note that the release of these chemicals is not the only factor that influences our emotions. Our past experiences, thoughts, and beliefs also play a significant role in how we perceive and respond to different events. Additionally, the way in which our brains are wired and our genetic makeup can also impact our emotional responses.

In conclusion, the causes of perceived emotions are complex and involve a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Further research in this area is necessary to fully understand the mechanisms behind our emotional experiences.