Final answer:
Fear is a response to a specific threat, while anxiety is a generalized sense of unease. Anxiety involves brain circuits like the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, while panic is tied to the sympathetic nervous system.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fear and anxiety are related but distinct emotions. Fear is a response to a specific, immediate threat, while anxiety is a more generalized sense of worry or unease. The brain circuits or systems associated with anxiety include the amygdala, which is involved in processing emotions, and the prefrontal cortex, which helps regulate and control anxiety.
Panic, on the other hand, is a sudden and intense burst of fear or anxiety. It is characterized by physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and a sense of impending doom. Panic is associated with the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which is part of the autonomic nervous system.