Fight or flight response

Question 1

Fight or flight response

Answer 1

A sequence of activity within the body that is triggered when the body prepares itself for defending and attacking or running to safety.
Activity involves changes in nervous system and secretion of hormones to sustain arousal.

Question 2

Step One

Answer 2

Stressor is perceived.

Question 3

Step Two

Answer 3

Hypothalamus triggers activity in the sympathetic branch of the ANS. ANS changes from normal resting state (parasympathetic) to physiologically aroused state.

Question 4

Step Three

Answer 4

Stress hormone adrenaline is released from the adrenal medulla into the bloodstream, and noradrenaline to the brain.

Question 5

Step Four

Answer 5

Adrenaline triggers physiological changes in the body which creates the physiological arousal necessary for flight or fight response (automatic reaction in the body).

Question 6

Step Five

Answer 6

The physiological changes explain why stress, panic, or excitement is experienced as a ‘sick’ feeling (butterflies in the stomach).

Question 7

Step Six

Answer 7

Once the threat has passed, the parasympathetic nervous system returns body to resting state- actions are antagonistic to the sympathetic system. “Rest and digest” response.

Question 8

Adrenaline

Answer 8

Adrenaline has a strong effect on the cells of the cardiovascular system- stimulating the heart rate, contracting blood vessels and dilating air passages.