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[[Image:Iraqi girl smiles.jpg|thumb|An Iraqi girl smiles]] |
[[Image:Iraqi girl smiles.jpg|thumb|An Iraqi girl smiles]] |
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In [[physiology]], a '''smile''' is a [[ |
In [[physiology]], a '''smile''' is a [[facial expression]] formed by flexing [[muscle]]s most notably near both ends of the [[mouth]], but also around the eyes. Among [[human]]s, it is [[custom|customarily]] an expression of [[pleasure]] or [[amusement]], but can also be an involuntary expression of [[anxiety]]. There is much evidence that smiling is a normal reaction to certain stimuli and occurs regardless of culture. Happiness most often causes the smile to occur, though. Many studies indicate that smiling is an innate reaction, as children blind from birth smile; however [[feral children]] generally do not smile, perhaps lending evidence to the contrary. Among [[animal]]s, the exposure of [[teeth]], which may bear a resemblance to a smile, are often used as a [[threat]] - known as a [[snarl]] - or a sign of [[submission]]. |
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Smiling not only changes a facial expression, but can also make the [[brain]] produce [[endorphin]]s which reduces physical and emotional pain, and give a greater sense of well-being. |
Smiling not only changes a facial expression, but can also make the [[brain]] produce [[endorphin]]s which reduces physical and emotional pain, and give a greater sense of well-being. |
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Revision as of 14:05, 27 January 2006
In physiology, a smile is a facial expression formed by flexing muscles most notably near both ends of the mouth, but also around the eyes. Among humans, it is customarily an expression of pleasure or amusement, but can also be an involuntary expression of anxiety. There is much evidence that smiling is a normal reaction to certain stimuli and occurs regardless of culture. Happiness most often causes the smile to occur, though. Many studies indicate that smiling is an innate reaction, as children blind from birth smile; however feral children generally do not smile, perhaps lending evidence to the contrary. Among animals, the exposure of teeth, which may bear a resemblance to a smile, are often used as a threat - known as a snarl - or a sign of submission.
Smiling not only changes a facial expression, but can also make the brain produce endorphins which reduces physical and emotional pain, and give a greater sense of well-being.
Types of smiles
Researchers have identified a number of different types of smiles.
- The "Duchenne smile", after the researcher Guillaume Duchenne, is the most studied, and involves the movement of both the zygomaticus major muscle near the mouth and the orbicularis oculi muscle near the eyes. It is believed that the Duchenne smile is only produced as an involuntary response to genuine emotion, and is therefore what one could call the "genuine" smile. However, some sources say that "pretending" to smile can eventually put you in a good mood, and therefore "fake" can be a good thing!
- The "Pan American smile", on the other hand, is the voluntary smile involving only the zygomatcus major muscle to show politeness; for example, by a flight attendant on the former airline of the same name. Considered "insincere", this type of smile has also been called the "Professional Smile" by David Foster Wallace in his comedic short story A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again (see link for relevant excerpt).
References
- Miller, Professor George A., et. al. Overview for "smile." Retrieved Dec. 12, 2003 from http://www.cogsci.princeton.edu/cgi-bin/webwn?stage=1&word=smile
- Angus Trumble, New Statesman, September 6, 2004, "Mouths wide open: the smile was once full of meaning—exchanged between lovers, deployed strategically in conversation, even used to provoke and enrage. By contrast, the default-position broad grin that flourishes in our time seems little more than a forced expression of politeness.