Editing Profanity (section)

== Physiology and neurology ==
The brain processes profanity differently than it processes other forms of language.{{Sfn|Stapleton|Beers Fägersten|Stephens|Loveday|2022|p=4}} Intentional controlled swearing is associated with the brain's [[left hemisphere]], while reflexive swearing is associated with the [[right hemisphere]].{{Sfn|Matusz|2017|p=37}} Swearing is associated with both language-processing parts of the brain, the left [[frontal lobe|frontal]] and [[temporal lobe|temporal]] lobes, as well as the emotion-processing parts, the right [[cerebrum]] and the [[amygdala]].{{Sfn|Jay|Janschewitz|2008|p=270}} The association of emotional swearing with the amygdala and other parts of the [[limbic system]] suggests that some uses of profanity are related to the [[fight-or-flight response]].{{Sfn|Stapleton|Beers Fägersten|Stephens|Loveday|2022|p=4}}

Profanity requires more mental processing than other forms of language, and the use of profanity is easier to remember when recalling a conversation or other speech.{{Sfn|Stapleton|Beers Fägersten|Stephens|Loveday|2022|pp=4–5}} Exposure to profanity leads to higher levels of [[arousal]],{{Sfn|Stapleton|Beers Fägersten|Stephens|Loveday|2022|p=3}} and it can cause increases in [[heart rate]] and [[electrodermal activity]] as part of a fight-or-flight response.{{Sfn|Lev-Ari|McKay|2023|p=1110}}{{Sfn|Stapleton|Beers Fägersten|Stephens|Loveday|2022|pp=5–6}} Swearing has also been shown [[Hypoalgesic effect of swearing|to increase pain tolerance]], especially among people who do not regularly swear.{{Sfn|Stapleton|Beers Fägersten|Stephens|Loveday|2022|p=6}}

Compulsive swearing is called [[coprolalia]], and it is associated with neurological conditions such as [[Tourette syndrome]], [[dementia]], and [[epilepsy]].{{Sfn|Jay|Janschewitz|2008|p=271}} The ability to use profanity can remain intact even when neurological trauma causes [[aphasia]].{{Sfn|Stapleton|Beers Fägersten|Stephens|Loveday|2022|p=4}}{{Sfn|Van Lancker|Cummings|1999|p=84}} Frequent swearing is more common among people with damage to the brain or other parts of the [[nervous system]].{{Sfn|Van Lancker|Cummings|1999|p=84}} Damage to the [[ventromedial prefrontal cortex]] can negatively affect one's ability to control their use of profanity and other socially inappropriate behaviors. Damage to [[Broca's area]] and other language-processing regions of the brain can similarly make people prone to outbursts. Damage to the right hemisphere limits the ability to understand and regulate the emotional content of one's speech.{{Sfn|Jay|Janschewitz|2008|p=271}}