Abstract
DEFINITION OF THE TERM: Emotional reactions* are a form of complex and coordinated motor phenomena that are supported by functional changes throughout the entire organism, including the nervous system itself, particularly the autonomic (vegetative) system. These changes are crucial for avoiding survival-critical threats or for achieving important life goals, both in a physical-real and mental/conceptual way.
HISTORICAL ANALYSIS OF THE TERM: The terms ‘emotional reactions’ and ‘emotional brain’ have appeared in scientific literature for many years, but the author first encountered these concepts in 2004, when T. Dalgleish published his review article entitled The emotional brain (Dalgleish, 2004).
DISCUSSION OF THE TERM: Emotions and emotional reactions are complex and multifaceted issues that necessitate interdisciplinary research spanning fields like neurology, psychology, and zoology. This article focuses on selected neurobiological aspects of emotions and emotional reactions. Even ‘primitive’ animals, including invertebrates and unicellular organisms, exhibit behaviours that could be interpreted as manifestations of emotions, though the definition of these terms plays a critical role in their interpretation.
SYSTEMATIC REFLECTION WITH CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Since Paul Broca’s discovery of a small region in the left frontal lobe, now known as Broca’s area, which, when damaged, causes speech disorders (aphasia), the concept of specific brain regions, or ‘centres’ responsible for distinct functions, including emotions, has emerged. This discovery laid the foundation for neurology as an independent branch of medicine. When it comes to emotions, it seems impossible to isolate specific ‘centres’. Perhaps the entire brain is ‘emotional’.
* In certain contexts, the term ‘responses’ may be more appropriate, particularly when addressing the conscious aspects of emotions. However, the considerations in the article aim to emphasise the predominant role of subconscious brain and mind processes that continuously shape our actions. Consequently, ‘reactions’ may better capture the true nature of what we understand by and associate with emotions. Hence, both terms are used in the article.
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