Adrenal glands Quote by Walter Bradford Cannon
“These changes-the more rapid pulse, the deeper breathing, the increase of sugar in the blood, the secretion from the adrenal glands-were very diverse and seemed unrelated. Then, one wakeful night, after a considerable collection of these changes had been disclosed, the idea flashed through my mind that they could be nicely integrated if conceived as bodily preparations for supreme effort in flight or in fighting. Further investigation added to the collection and confirmed the general scheme suggested by the hunch.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Physiology of Stress, Walter B. Cannon, 1932
The body’s varied responses to stress can be seen as coordinated preparations for intense physical activity.
In simple terms: Stress triggers bodily systems for fight or flight.
Key Takeaway
Recognize stress as a functional response.
Themes
biology
stress
physiology
Mood
analytical
inquisitive
Type
scientific
educational
When to use this quote
- exercise training
- combat preparation
- emergency situations
- high‑pressure work
Key Concepts
fight‑or‑flight
homeostasis
adaptive response
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your body prepare for challenges?
- Can stress be harnessed positively?
A Different Perspective
Chronic stress may harm health if not managed.
