what are three important facts about the body’s response to fear.
1. Activation of the sympathetic nervous system: When the body perceives a threat or experiences fear, the sympathetic nervous system is activated. This triggers the release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, leading to increased heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate. The body prepares to either confront or escape from the source of fear.
2. The fight-or-flight response: Fear triggers the body's fight-or-flight response, which is an instinctual survival mechanism. The body prepares to either confront the threat (fight) or escape from it (flight). This response involves mobilizing energy, enhancing physical strength and agility, and suppressing non-essential bodily functions like digestion and immune response.
3. Activation of the amygdala: The amygdala, a part of the brain responsible for processing emotions and fear responses, plays a crucial role in the body's response to fear. When fear is detected, the amygdala sends signals to various parts of the brain and body, coordinating emotional and physiological responses. It helps prioritize threat detection and response, leading to increased arousal and heightened vigilance.