Naked Science Forum
Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: omid on 29/10/2009 18:03:17
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can some one clear please? [;)]
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Hahaha, this is quite complicated to explain, but I would guess that it has to to with the neuron impulses in our brain.
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can some one clear please? [;)]
It more fun if someone else inflicts a tickle on you than if you do it to yourself apparently.
More here: http://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/index.php?topic=25248.msg272889
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Thanks guys,
But do we only laugh when we are tickled why don't we cry or something like that? [:-\]
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Thanks guys,
But do we only laugh when we are tickled why don't we cry or something like that? [:-\]
Great question, because for many people being tickled is NOT a pleasurable experience, even though it makes them laugh/giggle. I think it's a brain wiring issue - there's an argument that we're ticklish so that we can respond to a gentle touch, which could well be the presence of an insect (fleas/ticks/mosquitoes etc).
So we certainly should react, but why with spasms of laughter?
I've no idea!
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Tickling I seem to recall has actually been used as a form of torture!
A few points from scavenged from rather inconclusive readings:
kids often start laughing before they are even touched, when they know the tickle is coming (something to do with hormones associated to anticipation and surprise?)
Would you laugh if a stranger walked up behind you and tickled you? i dont think i would, so could it be socially related? something to do with the brain trying to work out how to respond to 'pain' caused by the touch of someone who is trusted/loved?
A conditioned response, ie babies that are tickled by their parents during intimate/excitable moments?