The instantaneous and automatic fear response we experience when unexpectedly stumbling upon a snake illustrates the importance of the

A) amygdala.
B) hypothalamus.
C) pituitary gland.
D) hippocampus.

The amygdala is responsible for processing emotions such as fear and is activated in response to perceived threats, such as the presence of a snake. The hypothalamus is involved in regulating various bodily functions, including the stress response. The pituitary gland releases hormones in response to signals from the hypothalamus. The hippocampus plays a role in memory formation and retrieval but is not primarily responsible for the fear response.