Eyes, Ears, and the Fear Switch

Open to everyone until Friday, October 2

To keep it, print it while it is open.

Light and sound enter through your eyes and ears. Signals travel through a brain relay to two almond-shaped clusters called the amygdala, which can set off fear before you think about what is happening.

In the picture

Eye: takes in light from the surroundings
Ear: takes in sound waves
Thalamus: a brain relay where signals from the eye and ear meet
Amygdala: one of two almond-shaped clusters that can start a fear response before conscious judgment

Examples

A sudden loud bang makes you flinch before you know what caused it.
A stick on the path looks like a snake for a moment, and your heart races before you see it is only wood.

Key takeaways

Sensory signals can reach the amygdala by a fast route before conscious judgment.
The amygdala can start fear responses such as a faster heartbeat and quick breathing.