Part 5/13:
The HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) plays a crucial role in stress and fear regulation, involving the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands. Activation of the HPA results in the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which prepare the body for action. Interestingly, even brief stressors can trigger prolonged biochemical repercussions, increasing the likelihood of long-lasting fear circuits.
The Threat Reflex and Memory
The amygdala’s role is not limited to threat detection but extends to generating reflexive responses based on sensory, emotional, and memetic data. It influences both immediate reactions and systems such as the dopaminergic reward pathways, linking threat responses to pursuit and motivation.