Annotated Bibliography #4: Animal Instincts of the Human Body

Jarrod James article on his analysis of the human bodys skeletal muscular and
physiological effects of adrenaline provides an impressive summary of how and why humans
(and animals) respond the way they do to situations deemed dangerous or stressful. Adrenaline,
or Epinephrine, is a hormone that is released by the adrenal glands through the adrenal
medulla. This hormone causes blood vessels to dilate which in turn enables them to carry more
nutrients and oxygen. This increased supply of oxygen and nutrients is dispersed throughout
the body eventually leading to the brain; this causes the brain to become ever more alert and
aware of the individuals surroundings and senses.
Studies have somewhat proven this heightened level of alertness from the brain by
surveyors asking participants a series of questions before and after their workouts. Although
slim, the results showed that post-workout, answers were nearly 97% correct compared to the
93% correct of the answers given pre-workout. Although being in the gym is not deemed a
dangerous environment, the constant stimulation of the muscles in the body makes for a type of

simulation in which the body makes the same response as if he or she were in an actual
dangerous situation.

Citations
James, Jarrod. "Animal Instincts of the Human Body: A Psychological and Skeletal Muscular
Analysis of Adrenaline on the Human Body." Animal Instincts of the Human Body: A

Psychological and Skeletal Muscular Analysis of Adrenaline on the Human Body. PIT
Journal, 2012. Web. 02 Apr. 2016.
Moskowitz, By Clara. "Animals Stressed Out, Too." LiveScience. TechMedia Network, 17 Oct.
2008. Web. 02 Apr. 2016.