Calming the Alarm

Open to everyone until Thursday, October 1

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When a threat signal reaches the brain, the front part can re-check what is happening. If it finds no real danger, it can quiet the alarm centre and the body’s stress response eases.

In the picture

The front brain region: it reassesses the threat signal.
The arrow: the front region sends a quieting message to the alarm centre.
The pair of almond-shaped clusters: they receive the quieting message.
The heart: its fast beating eases.
The sweat droplets: they become smaller and fewer.

Examples

Feeling your heart pound before a test, then noticing the questions are familiar and settling down.
Hearing a sudden noise at night, checking that it is only the wind, and relaxing again.

Key takeaways

The prefrontal cortex can re-evaluate a threat and reduce amygdala activity.
Calming the amygdala lowers physical stress signs such as fast heartbeat and sweating.