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1. When we are scared, our reactions are controlled by a region of the brain called the limbic system, which regulates our emotions and is related to memory and learning. The reflexes that we have right after being surprised help us face or flee the threat.
2. To help us react to fright, the brain orders the adrenal glands (so called because they are located above the kidneys) to release adrenaline, a hormone that has the function of preparing the organism for danger, into the bloodstream
3. The rush of adrenaline causes a series of effects. The first of these is the acceleration of the heartbeat and the elevation of blood pressure. The frantic pace increases blood flow to the muscles, making them more able to cope with the situation.
SHAKE SHAKE
The shivering that occurs after being scared is the result of the contraction of the leg muscles, which give us balance. Tremors are involuntary movements that help burn energy and consume excess adrenaline.
BIG EYE
At the same time that it makes the chest shoot, the adrenaline causes the dilation of the pupils, in environments with little or a lot of lighting. With the pupil dilated, more light enters the eyes and the frightened person can see better.
PALE FACE
As blood is directed to the muscles and vital organs such as the heart and brain, other areas of the body experience reduced blood supply. This is what happens to the superficial vessels that carry liquid to the skin of the face – without blood, it turns pale.
HAIR YES, HAIR NO
Muscular contraction is also responsible for the hair standing on end, but this has no function in modern man. This reaction is just a legacy of our ape ancestors, who looked bigger and scarier when their fur stood on end.