Fight Or Flight Response

Question 1

What is flight /fight

Answer 1

Generated form the autonomic nervous system

• a reflex response that is designed y8 help an individual when under threat
• activated when stressed
• helps an individual to react quicker and facilitated optimal functioning

Question 2

Steps of fight/flight

Answer 2

• Stressful event
• hypothalamus sends a message to
• the pituitary gland which releases
• adrenocorticotropic hormone which has an effect on the adrenal glands and causes them to release
• adrenaline which triggers psychological changes and leads to fight/fight

Once the stress is over the parasympathetic branch of the ANS is activated and slows activity down

Question 3

F/f response -sympathetic branch

Answer 3

• increased heart rate to speed up blood flow to vital organs
• faster breathing rate to increase oxygen intake
• pupil dilation to improve vision
• reduced digestive and immune system functioning to save energy for prioritised functions
• muscle tension to improve reaction time and speed

Question 4

F/f response- parasympathetic branch

Answer 4

Decrease heart rate 
Decrease breathing rate 
Constricts pupils 
Stimulates digestion 
Relaxes muscles

Question 5

Fight or flight evaluation

Answer 5

• reaction is not limited to fight/flight ‘freeze response’ Gray suggests that first response to danger is to avoid confrontation- during freeze we are hyper vigilant while we decide the best course of action
• typically a male response to danger as females ‘tend and befriend’ Taylor et al - women protect offspring and form alliances with other women rather than fight/flight