A theory as to why some people poop their pants when in danger.. seriously

Originally posted by MrSpiderMonkey
reply to post by Dispo

 

In high stress or "danger" situations, the body activates the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) which is responsible for, among other things, your fight or flight (fof) response. The SNS triggers a number of fof orientated changes in your body, heart rate increases, blood vessels dilate, airways relax, pupils dilate and the bowel and bladder muscles relax, leading to defecation.

Yes my friend that is the how, but evolution almost always points to the why. Survival of the fittest and mutations determine why we are the way we are.

edit on 13-12-2012 by MrSpiderMonkey because: (no reason given)

The relaxation of smooth muscle regulating defecation is a side effect of the processes used to relax other smooth muscles to increase your blood flow and such.

Involuntary defecation is a side effect of the life saving fof mechanism, not a life saving mechanism in itself.

Ever heard that the Elephant is scared of mice i dont think it poops it self.

Originally posted by pheonix358
I would suggest you poop yourself to lighten the load for the 'flight stage' The lighter you are the faster you run. A little jet propulsion helps as well. Leaving something slippery in their path may make the predator slip and fall.

I could do a really good daffy duck cartoon with this, bugs holding his nose.

Well, its just as valid as the OP only funnier.

P

This description is pretty damn funny, pheonix. I read this at work and LOL'd.

So if I shart my pants right now does that mean I am protecting myself from danger before it happens?

Or does it mean I need to be more careful.

I have given your post a star and flag, not because I believe your hypothesis.

Many have told you the mechanism behind the phenomenon you describe,

But your ideas made me smile, a valiant attempt! star+flag

lol

Never pooped my pants of fright but peed them once. Had to climb through the window to get in the house - neighbor saw the legs go in and called the police. A few minutes later walked out the side door to take out the trash and six cops immediately had their guns on me at point blank range. Peed myself immediately which wasn't so bad. Would probably be dead if it happened these days.

REPLY TO ALL

I think you guys have got ahead of yourselves and haven't really answered the question the OP has proposed. You guys are too scientific minded for your own good. You get to the mechanisms and learn how something happens, and so you stop asking why it happens. Describing the mechanism still leaves the question of why.

You all think it's just some coincidence that the body does this - but you know other animals do it purposely; so why then, if we do it, do you ridicule the notion?

Is excrement beneficial enough for the body to have evolved to where it causes it during a fight or flight response?

or

Is excrement not such a hindrance that the body would stop it from happening during a fight or flight response?


It's a good questoin OP. I gave you some stars.

Originally posted by ChaoticOrder

Originally posted by WanderingThe3rd
humans poops themselves in danger to remove any block up and extra weight that might slow you down if we needed to run for our lives

The difference in weight would be virtually irrelevant. Not to mention taking a crap takes time... time that could be spent running away. The OP's theory is much more valid than this theory. I know I would be much less likely to kill and eat an animal if it just crapped everywhere.

obviously, but try running when you're constipated, its not easy

anyways, my first reply is the real answer, you could easily look it up if you want, instead of bashing

reply to post by MrSpiderMonkey


Yes it makes sense. Its a good way of putting off an opponent. Nature has many survival tools for getting us out of sticky situations.

Originally posted by ChaoticOrder

Originally posted by WanderingThe3rd
humans poops themselves in danger to remove any block up and extra weight that might slow you down if we needed to run for our lives

The difference in weight would be virtually irrelevant. Not to mention taking a crap takes time... time that could be spent running away. The OP's theory is much more valid than this theory. I know I would be much less likely to kill and eat an animal if it just crapped everywhere.

Its not irrelevant. Back when I was a hurdler for track & field, it was highly encouraged by all coaches to "grow a tail" before a race. It absolutely did make a difference.

reply to post by MrSpiderMonkey


Animals do it to get rid of excess weight so they can flee that little bit quicker...