Fight or Flight

Question 1

Fight or Flight response steps

Answer 1

1. Recognise the threat, hypothalamus triggers the endocrine and ANS system
2. For the endocrine system the hypothalamus triggers the system via the pituitary gland to release ACTH this results in the release of the stress hormone cortisol from the adrenal cortex
3. In the ANS system, the Hypothalamus activates the sympathetic branch of the ANS, this causes adrenaline and noradrenaline to be released from the adrenal medula

Question 2

Role of adrenaline and noradrenaline

Answer 2

• Increases blood flow to the brain and skeletal muscles for faster reactions
• Reduces blood flow to systems that are not critical like the digestive and immune system
• Dilate pupils for increased vision and increased sweat to remove heat