Question 1 (1 point)
What triggers anxiety?
a
Our prefrontal cortex sends messages that we are in danger
b
Our amygdala senses danger and ignites out fight, flight, freeze mode
The correct answer is option b: Our amygdala senses danger and ignites our fight, flight, freeze mode.
To arrive at this answer, we can break down the options and understand how anxiety is triggered.
Option a suggests that our prefrontal cortex sends messages that we are in danger. While the prefrontal cortex does play a role in processing emotions and decision-making, it is not directly responsible for triggering anxiety. Anxiety is generally a response to perceived threats or danger, and it is the amygdala that plays a key role in detecting and responding to such threats.
Option b states that our amygdala senses danger and ignites our fight, flight, freeze mode. This is the correct answer. The amygdala is an almond-shaped structure in the brain that is involved in the processing of emotions, including fear and anxiety. When it senses a potential threat or danger, it activates the body's stress response system, triggering the fight, flight, or freeze response.
Therefore, option b accurately explains how anxiety is triggered by the amygdala sensing danger and igniting our fight, flight, freeze mode.