2007-02-04 06:52:59 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
i meant: why does a person instinctively curl over his abdominal area in times of danger
2007-02-04 06:54:48 · update #1
We have an innate or virtually involuntary response to cover our most vulnerable area(s) when we perceive a threat to our bodies.
We can survive with damaged limbs and our back is less vulnerable to attack because our rib cage and spine form a kind of shell. We cannot long survive with damaged major organs. If we curl into a ball and wrap our arms around our legs we are even better protected.
Just a side note - humans are the only animals which (or who) regularly sleep on their backs. Animals, other than humans, instinctively sleep on their stomachs to protect their underbellies.
2007-02-04 09:55:06 · answer #1 · answered by popcorn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This happens with all vertibrates. Most animals you can name have this reaction. Probably ancient animals such as a Stegasaurus did much the same thing. Our "middles" are vulnerable - yet they house many essential organs, from the bottom of the chest-plate down. Our backs have more bone and hard muscle - and on certain animals (such as the hedgehog) the back contains protection against an attacker. In addition, the abdominal area houses the "solar plexus," the major nerve and blood center for the whole body. Most boxers and "street fighters" center their whole attack on the victim's "middle," because the right punch there can kill or maim.
2007-02-04 07:04:03 · answer #2 · answered by Woollcott 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is called the fetal position. When we were born in the womb we curled up as fetuses.
It's defense mechanism where we feel safe, curled up like in our mothers womb.( it was imprinted into our brains, like dogs instincts, we just do)
2007-02-04 06:58:35 · answer #3 · answered by irishredfishstick 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To protect all the vital organs.. i.e. if a tiger attacked the person, curling into a ball is the safest position to be in.
2007-02-04 06:56:08 · answer #4 · answered by Trey 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To give himself a smaller area which makes him harder for a predator to spot and when he is spotted it makes him a smaller target.
2007-02-04 07:04:10 · answer #5 · answered by lozatron 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i usually cover my head and then attain the fetal position, perhaps because we were like this for the nine months of our lives and we were protected. just a thought though.
2007-02-04 06:57:31 · answer #6 · answered by *Jenny from the block* 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A man has to protect his vitals
2007-02-04 06:55:30 · answer #7 · answered by Joe 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Soft spot, big target-makes sense to cover it.
2007-02-04 06:56:36 · answer #8 · answered by doomsdaybiker 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The fetal postion is where some feel most safe
2007-02-04 06:57:20 · answer #9 · answered by Juicy Fruit 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋