Fight or Flight response

Question 1

Give some examples of characteristics displayed during the fight-or-flight response.

Answer 1

-Increased heart rate
-Increased blood pressure
-Dry mouth
-Digestion is inhibited

Question 2

What is the role of the sympathetic nervous system in the fight-or-flight response?

Answer 2

The SNS prepares the body to either flee or fight in response to a perceived threat.

Question 3

What is the role of the parasympathetic nervous system in the fight-or-flight response?

Answer 3

The PNS restores the body to ordinary functioning when the threat is no longer a hazard.

Question 4

List the stages of the fight-or-flight response.

Answer 4

1) The amygdala associates sensory signals with emotions and sends a ‘distress signal’ to the hypothalamus.

2) The hypothalamus in response to continued threat releases CRH into the bloodstream.

3) The pituitary gland releases ACTH into the bloodstream, and from there to its target sites.

4) The adrenal medulla releases adrenaline into the bloodstream causing physiological changes such as increased heart rate.