Anger

Anger is defined as “a feeling of great hostility, displeasure, or exasperation toward other persons [exhibited through mental and physical processes derived from thoughts,] beliefs, values, and expectations, as well as to psychiatric conditions”, and caused by the challenging of one's beliefs or the personal identification a misdeed that requires retribution and persons responsible (Singer & Sanford, 2018).

Once an anger response is triggered in a person they begin to exhibit physical signification that the brain is processing anger. The physical responses associated with anger are pupil dilation, heart rate increase, blood pressure increase, elevated blood sugar levels, and rapid breathing. Each physical response serves a purpose in the fight-or-flight response process.

Pupil Dilation

The pupils dilate to allow more light into the retina. This additional light improves general visibility. Increased visibility directly aids visible threat detection.

Elevated Blood Sugar Levels and Rapid Breathing

Increased blood sugar circulating the body brings the skeletal and muscular systems energy to use or store depending on the activation of the fight-or-flight response. Because blood sugars are best processed through the respiratory system, the rate of one’s breathing is increased to compensate for the elevation of blood sugar circulating in the body.

Heart rate and Blood Pressure Increase

Heart rate and blood pressure increase to enhance the functions of the circulatory system. This amplifies the production and processing speed of hormones in the brain and supplies the body with needed nutrients. These nutrients aid in a more rapid and efficient fight-or-flight response from the brain, skeleton, and muscles.

References

Singer, & Sanford, S. (2018). Anger. Database: Research Starters. Salem Press Encyclopedia of Health.