In this phase of alarm response, alertness is increased, mild adrenalization. This state is considered desirable in competition and performance. To be alert yet non-combative is rare because arousal mobilizes the fight-flight muscle response. This phase brings us into our bodies and into the present moment to investigate, search and discover what is there and organizes our attention and readiness for action. This is a question of territory, protecting one's ground.

PHYSICAL RESPONSE IN THIS PHASE:
Increased muscle tone and peristalsis, skeletal muscles pull us upward to make us alert, mouth closes, nostrils flare, eyes open, hands are ready to open, the arms flex, the chest is raised by the intercostals, the diaphragm descends, and the legs stiffen slightly.

In*ves`ti*ga"tion (?), n. [L. investigatio: cf. F. investigation.]

The act of investigating; the process of inquiring into or following up; research; study; inquiry, esp. patient or thorough inquiry or examination; as, the investigations of the philosopher and the mathematician; the investigations of the judge, the moralist.

 

© Webster 1913.