Your query, addresses a mix different mechanisms at different levels of explanation.kolleamm said:From what I understand dopamine is released when we feel pleasure but how exactly does it interact with the brain? Does it spread to only a small space or a much bigger one?
I wonder the same for pain too.
Although certain brain areas have been identified with certain aspects of behavior, I don't think there is a good understanding how how the brain's functioning as a conscious entity is affected by to cause it to feel pleasure. That is to say what is the difference between a happy and not happy brain state is not (to my knowledge) defined.kolleamm said:dopamine is released when we feel pleasure but how exactly does it interact with the brain?
Dopamine is found in several areas of the brain and is used in different functional mechanisms for different purposes in the brain.kolleamm said:Does it spread to only a small space or a much bigger one?
kolleamm said:Thank you for your well detailed responses. I want to have a really good understanding of the brain so that perhaps I could understand how consciousness arises, if that's even possible. That has been something I've wondered about for years.
The sensation of pleasure or pain in the brain is caused by the release of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, in specific regions of the brain. These neurotransmitters are responsible for transmitting signals between neurons, which results in the experience of pleasure or pain.
The brain processes pleasure or pain through a complex network of neurons and neurotransmitters. When we experience pleasure, certain areas of the brain, such as the reward center, become activated and release dopamine, which creates a feeling of pleasure. Similarly, when we experience pain, different areas of the brain, such as the somatosensory cortex, become activated and transmit signals of pain.
Yes, the brain can distinguish between physical and emotional pain. Physical pain is processed by the somatosensory cortex, while emotional pain is processed by the limbic system, which is responsible for regulating emotions. This is why we can experience different types of pain, such as physical pain from a cut and emotional pain from a breakup, in different ways.
Endorphins are natural painkillers produced by the brain in response to pain or stress. They bind to opioid receptors in the brain, which can reduce the sensation of pain and create a feeling of pleasure. This is why activities such as exercise or eating certain foods can release endorphins and make us feel good.
Yes, the brain can become addicted to pleasure or pain. When we experience pleasure, the release of dopamine creates a reward response in the brain, which can make us crave more of that pleasurable experience. Similarly, chronic pain can cause changes in the brain's structure and function, leading to a dependence on pain-relieving medications or seeking out pain-inducing activities for relief.