Chemistry of the ice bucket challenge
It seems that every year there is a new internet challenge going around which goads unsuspecting children into doing something stupid. Whether it is the 'cinnamon challenge' or the 'light yourself on fire challenge'. However, in 2015 a new challenge appeared known as the 'ALS ice bucket challenge'. This challenge stormed the internet and participants would have to dump a bucket of ice water on their heads. Although this challenge raised awareness for ALS, many people were injured in many different ways. However, we are not gathered here today to talk about the finer details of the challenge. We are here today to talk about how the ice bucket challenge and the affects it has on the human body is more complicated than what meets the eye. We are here to talk about the chemistry involved in whats known as the 'fight or flight' reflex.
Basics of the fight or flight reflex
The 'fight or flight' reflex is a survival instinct that lies within everyone's subconscious. It is thought to have first manifested in humans at a very early time in our history as a species and has been passed on through generations ever since. The fight or flight reflex is a psychological that is designed to ensure the preservation of your mental and physical health. On the outside it seems to be very simple; when faced with what you perceive as a threatening situation you will either "fight" and face the situation head on, or you will "flight" and run away from your problem. However, sometimes this reflex can fail to work as designed and will cause you to freeze and not do anything.
The parts involved
(Taken from www.chemistryislife.com/the-chemistry-of-fight-or-flight)- Brain
- Hypothalamus
- Cerebral cortex
- Amygdala
- Catecholamines
- Norepinephrine/nor-adrenaline (C8H11NO3)
- Epinephrine/adrenaline (C9H13NO3)
- Hormones
- Hypothalamic pituitary adrenal system
- Estrogen (C18H24O2)
- Testosterone (C19H28O2)
- Cortisol (C21H30O5)
- Neurotransmitters
- Dopamine (C8H11NO2)
- Serotonin (C10H12N2O)
- Autonomic nervous system
- Sympathetic nervous system
- Muscles
- Eyes
- Respiratory system
- Cardiovascular system
The 2 most important parts involved in the fight or flight reflex are the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), and catecholamines. The ANS is the system that deals with all body functions that don't require specific thought. So moving your arm is not controlled by ANS but your heart is, and since no one chooses to activate their fight or flight reflex the ANS is heavily involved in doing so. Once you perceive a threat with any of your five senses, in the case of the ice bucket challenge it would be feeling the threat, then the ANS takes over, activates the reflex, and spreads the message to the rest of your body to get ready to fight or flight in order to survive. In order to do this the ANS releases epinephrine and norepinephrine. These chemicals are released from your adrenal glands and prime the body for fight or flight. Epinephrine makes the body stronger and faster, while norepinephrine increases vigilance.
The role of the chemicals
Norepinephrine is a chemical released in the brain and affects attention and responding actions by increasing alertness, focuses attention, enhances formation, and the ability to retrieve memories. Each cell is then prompted to either shut down, slow down, restrict, or speed up according to the situation. On the other hand, epinephrine is released directly into the bloodstream from your adrenal glands and is carried to different locations in your body. This is so that energy can be provided to all the different muscle groups so that the body can physically respond to the threat.
Relating it back to the ice bucket challenge
Now you might be wondering how all this intense chemistry relates back to something as trivial as the ice bucket challenge. Well basically it goes something like this. The ice water is very cold so that is what triggers the fight or flight reflex. The chemicals previously mentioned synthesizes and is released into your body. This is why people have the reactions they have when doing the ice bucket challenge. Some people run, but a lot of people freeze up because their fight or flight reflex has failed them.
Sources:
http://www.chemistryislife.com/the-chemistry-of-fight-or-flight
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fight-or-flight_response
http://www.psychologistworld.com/stress/fightflight.php
https://anxietyboss.com/what-are-the-two-components-of-the-fight-or-flight-response/
The role of the chemicals
Norepinephrine is a chemical released in the brain and affects attention and responding actions by increasing alertness, focuses attention, enhances formation, and the ability to retrieve memories. Each cell is then prompted to either shut down, slow down, restrict, or speed up according to the situation. On the other hand, epinephrine is released directly into the bloodstream from your adrenal glands and is carried to different locations in your body. This is so that energy can be provided to all the different muscle groups so that the body can physically respond to the threat.
Relating it back to the ice bucket challenge
Now you might be wondering how all this intense chemistry relates back to something as trivial as the ice bucket challenge. Well basically it goes something like this. The ice water is very cold so that is what triggers the fight or flight reflex. The chemicals previously mentioned synthesizes and is released into your body. This is why people have the reactions they have when doing the ice bucket challenge. Some people run, but a lot of people freeze up because their fight or flight reflex has failed them.
Sources:
http://www.chemistryislife.com/the-chemistry-of-fight-or-flight
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fight-or-flight_response
http://www.psychologistworld.com/stress/fightflight.php
https://anxietyboss.com/what-are-the-two-components-of-the-fight-or-flight-response/
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