Understanding the Nature of Laughter

Laughter serves as a non-verbal emotional vocalization, primarily produced through large contractions of the intercostal muscles. This process results in a sound that is distinctly different from speech, consisting of short bursts of air. Notably, humans laugh during exhalation, contrasting with other apes, which can laugh on both inhalation and exhalation. The mechanics of laughter may seem primitive, but it plays a complex role in communication, eliciting various emotional responses and social bonding.