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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
14:04
Brain Imaging Investigation of the Neural Correlates of Emotion Regulation
Published on: August 26, 2011
Humor and smiling: cortical regions selective for cognitive, affective, and volitional components
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Tübingen, Germany.
Neurology
|March 29, 2006
Summary
This study reveals distinct brain regions for humor perception versus voluntary grinning. Humor processing involves the left brain, while voluntary grinning engages facial motor areas, with a unique right frontal cortex response in both.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Psychology
Background:
- The distinction between emotional and voluntary facial expressions has long been debated.
- Previous functional imaging studies yielded conflicting results regarding the right frontal cortex's role in humor perception.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neural correlates of humor perception and voluntary smiling.
- To differentiate brain activity associated with emotional versus volitional facial expressions.
Main Methods:
- fMRI was used to measure Blood Oxygen Level-Dependent (BOLD) activity in 13 subjects.
- Participants viewed funny and non-funny cartoons, and also performed voluntary grinning.
- Facial expressions were recorded using an MR-compatible video camera.
Main Results:
- Humor perception activated the left temporo-occipitoparietal junction and left prefrontal cortex.
- Humor-associated smiling showed bilateral basal temporal lobe activity.
- Both humor and voluntary grinning led to decreased BOLD activity in the right orbitofrontal cortex, while voluntary grinning also activated facial motor regions.
Conclusions:
- The findings support separate cortical networks for emotion-driven and voluntary facial expressions.
- The right orbitofrontal cortex activity decrease may indicate disinhibition of emotional expression, reconciling previous research discrepancies.
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