Fear is an apparently simple - and yet extremely complex - concept. The
most general definition of fear we can use is the emotion that arises in response to a potential threat. But
exactly, what are the biological causes of fear? Where does it originate? What
are its origins? What is its goal? In today’s article, we will try to answer to
these questions.
First of all, in humans fear originates from
a part of the brain known as amygdalae,
which also manages various different emotions. When it detects something it
considers a potential threat, the amygdalae starts sending to the entire brain
electrical signals, informing them of the threat and stimulating the production
of fear-associated hormones, such as adrenaline and dopamine, in order to make
the body ready to flee from the threat.
