Specific neural mechanisms determine what humans perceive as humor
Neuroimaging and clinical studies demonstrate that specific neural circuits and brain regions—such as the frontoparietal network, amygdala, and mesolimbic reward system—govern the perception and comprehension of humor.
The retrieved papers consistently provide neuroimaging and clinical evidence identifying distinct brain regions (e.g., limbic system, prefrontal cortex, insula, and reward centers) that process humor, incongruity resolution, and amusement, thus supporting the claim that specific neural mechanisms determine humor perception.
Kohn N, Kellermann T, Gur RC, Schneider F, Habel U. Gender differences in the neural correlates of humor processing: implications for different processing modes.. 2011. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2011.02.010
Demonstrates that specific neural networks, including ventral and dorsal processing systems, are involved in human humor processing.
See more details
Meletti S, Vaudano AE, Pizza F, Ruggieri A, Vandi S, Teggi A, Franceschini C, Benuzzi F, Nichelli PF, Plazzi G. The Brain Correlates of Laugh and Cataplexy in Childhood Narcolepsy.. 2015. https://doi.org/10.1523/jneurosci.0840-15.2015
Shows specific hemodynamic responses in motor, limbic, and reward networks during humor and amusement.
Yu-Chen Chan. Neural Correlates of Deficits in Humor Appreciation in Gelotophobics. 2016. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep34580
Identifies distinct neural substrates in the reward system associated with humor appreciation.
Adamczyk P, Wyczesany M, Domagalik A, Daren A, Cepuch K, Błądziński P, Cechnicki A, Marek T. Neural circuit of verbal humor comprehension in schizophrenia - an fMRI study.. 2017. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nicl.2017.06.005
Highlights specific fronto-temporal neural circuits underlying verbal humor comprehension stages.
Chan YC, Zeitlen DC, Beaty RE. Amygdala-frontoparietal effective connectivity in creativity and humor processing.. 2023. https://doi.org/10.1002/hbm.26232
Indicates that amygdala-frontoparietal connectivity is critical for evaluating humor and resolving incongruity.
Chang CY, Chan YC, Chen HC. Verification of the Four-Stage Model of Humor Processing: Evidence from an fMRI Study by Three-Element Verbal Jokes.. 2023. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13030417
Verifies distinct neural stages of humor processing involving specific activations in the insula, frontal, and temporal gyri.
Mendez MF, Parand L. Positive Emotions from Brain Injury: The Emergence of Mirth and Happiness.. 2020. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/5702578
Shows that specific brain injuries affecting frontal and limbic areas can alter humor and mirth perception.
The paper trail · every fact has a biography
Challenge the receipt
Citation formatting by citeproc-js (Frank Bennett) and the Citation Style Language project. Source and licenses.
Terms · Privacy · How verdicts work · Dispute this receipt