ABSTRACT
Emotions represent complex patterns of preparation for different kinds of behavior demands that augment and amplify or attenuate activity arousal patterns. One component of emotional patterns provides informational feedback which people can consciously monitor and use to regulate their behavior. Emotions, feelings, affects, moods, arousal, activation, and other terms are used with specific definitions by some, and as if they were synonyms by others. Emotional arousal patterns probably evolved from the precursor evaluative-preparatory structural-functional arrangements for smell and taste. Emotions function to prepare bodily processes to support approach or avoidant behaviour. Emotional arousal changes biological processes primarily through the increased excitation of sympathetic nervous system circuits, corresponding changes in parasympathetic nervous system functioning, and alterations in patterns of hormonal secretion. Energy production and utilization vary in amount and body location as a function of the vigor and kind of activity being performed. Cells function as energy transducers, combining materials in chemical processes that transform stored energy to perform “work”.
