Why Do We Jump at Sudden Noises?
Manage episode 446498832 series 3610201
Why do we jump when we hear a sudden loud noise? In this episode of Mind Theory, we explore the acoustic startle reflex—an ancient survival mechanism hardwired into our brains to protect us from danger. We’ll dive into the neural circuitry behind this rapid, involuntary reaction, why some people are more easily startled than others, and how this reflex is connected to sensory gating and fear conditioning. We’ll also discuss conditions like startle epilepsy and how researchers use the startle reflex as a biomarker in neurological and psychiatric studies. Tune in to uncover why your body jumps before you even know what’s happening!
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