Calming the Alarm

In the picture

1. 1The front brain region: it reassesses the threat signal.
2. 2The arrow: the front region sends a quieting message to the alarm centre.
3. 3The pair of almond-shaped clusters: they receive the quieting message.
4. 4The heart: its fast beating eases.
5. 5The 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.

Quiz: Calming the Alarm (Age 15)

1. 1

   When a threat signal reaches the brain, what can the prefrontal cortex do?

   • Make the threat signal stronger so the body reacts faster.
   • Stop the heart from beating until the danger passes.
   • Re-check whether there is real danger and quiet the alarm centre.
2. 2

   What happens when the prefrontal cortex reduces amygdala activity?

   • Physical stress signs such as fast heartbeat and sweating become less.
   • The prefrontal cortex permanently stops receiving threat signals.
   • The amygdala sends more alarm signals to the body.
3. 3

   What happens to the pair of almond-shaped clusters when the front brain region sends a quieting message?

   • They stop the front brain region from reassessing the threat.
   • They create a new threat signal for the heart.
   • They receive the quieting message.

The answers, each with its explanation, are in the app. This lesson has left the free week, so its quiz is part of the subscription.