Question

If the body perceives a threat, which part of the brain receives the distress signal?

1) Adrenal medulla
2) Adrenal cortex
3) Hypothalamus
4) Amygdala

Answer 1

The amygdala receives the distress signal when a threat is perceived, and signals to the hypothalamus to initiate the fight-or-flight response and the release of stress hormones.

Step-by-step explanation:

When the body perceives a threat, the distress signal is sent to the amygdala, which then communicates with the hypothalamus. The amygdala, part of the limbic system located in the medial temporal lobe of the brain, plays a key role in the processing of emotions, like anxiety and fear. Upon receiving signals from the amygdala through the medial forebrain bundle, the hypothalamus initiates a series of bodily responses including the sympathetic fight-or-flight response, and also influences the endocrine system to release stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, thus mobilizing the body to respond to the perceived threat.