Butterflies in the stomach
Fluttery feeling in stomach
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Butterflies in the stomach is the physical sensation in humans of a "fluttery" feeling in the stomach, caused by a reduction of blood flow to the organ. This is as a result of the release of adrenaline and norepinephrine in the fight-or-flight response, which causes increased heart rate and blood pressure, consequently sending more blood to the muscles.[1]
In culture
Butterflies in the stomach are usually linked in culture and language to the sentiment of love and romantic passion to a desired other. One may feel butterflies in the stomach prior to meeting or confronting a love interest due to high levels of emotion and anxiety, as hormones like adrenaline (and sometimes cortisol) may be released in such situations.
It can also be a symptom of social anxiety disorder. This feeling is usually experienced before doing something important or stressful.[2]
See also
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