4.2.2 THE FIGHT OR FLIGHT RESPONSE

Question 1

what does the fight or flight response do?

what are the steps in which it happens?

Answer 1

• helps an individual to react quickly to a threat
• happens in a series of steps:
  -> hypothalamus recognises a threat
  -> sends a message to the adrenal glands
• on top of kidneys
  -> this triggers the release of adrenaline
• endocrine system
  -> this prompts physical changes in the body

Question 2

what are 7 possible changes to the body in response to fight or flight? (adrenaline)

Answer 2

1) rapid heartbeat and breathing

2) pale or flushed skin

3) dilated pupils

4) trembling

5) sweating

6) reduction of non-essential functions

7) glycogen-glucose

Question 3

why does rapid heartbeat and breathing occur?

Answer 3

to provide the energy + oxygen to the body that will be needed to fuel a rapid response to the danger and to push adrenaline faster around the body

Question 4

why does pale or flushed skin occur?

Answer 4

• blood flow to the surface areas of the body is reduced and flow to the muscles, brain, legs, arms are increased
• might become pale as a result / face may alternate between pale and flushed as blood rushes to head and brain

Question 5

why does dilated pupils occur?

Answer 5

• to be more aware and observant of the surroundings during times of danger
• allows more light into eyes and results in better vision of the surroundings

Question 6

why does trembling occur?

Answer 6

• in the face of stress / danger, muscles become tense and primed for action
• this tension can result in trembling / shaking

Question 7

why does sweating occur?

Answer 7

to regulate temperature / increased blood flow of limbs

Question 8

what does reduction of non-essential functions mean?

Answer 8

• digestive system
• urination
• salivation

Question 9

why does glycogen-glucose occur?

Answer 9

to prepare for energy release from increased activity