Final answer:
The body's response to anger involves the fight-or-flight response, including an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, dilation of pupils, and other changes to prepare for confrontation or escape, even in situations where these physical responses are not ideally suited.
Step-by-step explanation:
The body responds to anger with physiological changes known as the fight-or-flight response, a series of reactions geared towards survival in the face of a perceived threat. When the brain, particularly the amygdala and hypothalamus, detects danger, it triggers the release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. This leads to a number of changes: an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, the dilation of pupils, sweating, the activation of sweat glands, and the dilation of the bronchi in the lungs, enhancing air exchange to prepare the body to either confront the danger or flee.
While this response was crucial for our ancestors in response to physical dangers, it is often triggered in the modern world by psychological threats, like giving a presentation or taking a test, where neither fighting nor fleeing is a suitable option. Prolonged exposure to such stress can lead to negative health consequences, including increased susceptibility to heart disease and impaired immune function. Understanding how our bodies react to stress can guide us in managing our responses to modern psychological challenges effectively.