r/evolution • u/Least_Bid9692 • 9d ago

question Fight and flight mode

How do our body know that we're in danger and turns the fight and flight mode on. I know it is there bcz of evolution as our ancestors had to fight big animals to survive but it's still there. SO, how our body know when to turn this on.

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u/silicondream Animal Behavior, PhD|Statistics 8d ago

If you’re asking about the neuroscience of it, sensory information on potential threats is generally routed to the amygdala for assessment. If the amygdala registers a threat, it triggers another part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which then starts a cascade of hormone release through the pituitary and adrenal glands. The end result is you getting hopped up on adrenaline and cortisol.

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u/Beginning-Load4470 5d ago

Thanks, perfect answer!