The Influence Of The Amygdala And The Frontal Lobe In Emotions Such As Fear And Aggression

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The influence of the amygdala and the frontal lobe in emotions such as fear and aggression
The amygdala is the brain's central command center for emotions and reactions. The frontal lobe is useful in making rational decisions when confronted with situations such as fear and aggression. Scientists indicate that the frontal lobe has undergone evolution to enable it to receive and process information signals at a fast rate (Flash Documentary). When confronted with fear, the amygdala responds to information from the body senses and presses the body's panic button. It then sends signals to parts of the brain stem which elicits a range of responses such as sweating and increase in heartbeat. Other responses to the panic signals might include freezing and running away. In the situations of fear and aggression, the amygdala receives the panic information signals at a faster rate than the frontal lobe. As a result, an individual is likely to freeze due to the delay of body's response mechanism that is initiated by the frontal lobe. Under duress situations, the amygdala triggers a chain reaction that sends adrenaline and cortisol hormones into the bloodstream (Flash Documentary). These stress hormones help to prepare the body to respond appropriately by increasing breathing, heart rate, and the blood pressure. As a result, body senses become keener, the memory becomes sharper, and the body becomes less sensitive to pain. Scientists argue that constant exposure to fearful situations helps one to suppress fear which could otherwise elicit responses that might cause harm. The frontal lobe is handy in controlling emotions when ...