Biopsychology -fight or flight response

Question 1

what is the fight or flight response ?

Answer 1

• way an animal responds when stressed
• the body becomes aroused in preparation to fight the danger or flight
  -generate from the autonomic nervous system, specifically the sympathetic branches.
• reflex response to manage physically when under threat.
• activated when stressed as body receives stress as a threat.
• fight or flight response helps individuals react quicker than normal.

Question 2

what is adrenaline ?

Answer 2

a hormone released from the adrenal gland, part of the body’s immediate stress response system.
- adrenaline has strong effect on the cells of the cardiovascular system- heart rate, breathing, blood pressure.

Question 3

what is the process of the fight or flight mode from moment of threat to body returned back to normal ?

Answer 3

1. threat detected
2. activates the hypothalamus (in the brain)
3. that activates the sympathetic nervous system ( in the autonomic nervous system), which raises the body’s arousal.
4. then the sympathetic nerves cause the adrenal medulla to release adrenaline into the blood stream.
5. The adrenaline increases oxygen and glucose in the blood and reduces digestion in digestive system. Heart beats faster, pupils dilate, surge of energy, sweating, trembles
6. Threat disappears
7. Parasympathetic nervous system returns body back to normal.

Question 4

what are a few psychological reactions in the fight or flight response ?

Answer 4

increased heart rate- speed up blood flow to vital organs and muscles and spread adrenaline around the body faster.
Faster breathing- increase oxygen intake.
pupils dilate- improve vision.
reduce function of digestive and immune systems- save energy for things like running.

all these features are to allow the animal to fight or flight when in danger and give it the best chance at survival.