fight or flight response

Question 1

fight or flight

Answer 1

Generated from the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system.
A reflex response designed to help us manage when under perceived physical threat and also activated in times of stress when the body considers stress to be a threat.
Helps us to react more quickly than normal and allows optimal functioning so that the perceived threat can either be fought or we can run away from it.

Question 2

response

Answer 2

1) A person enters a stressful/dangerous situation.
2) The hypothalamus triggers the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system.
3) A signal is sent to the adrenal medulla to release adrenaline.
4) Adrenaline causes physiological changes to prepare the body for fight or flight: increased heart rate, increased breathing rate, dilates pupils, respiration and sweating increases, inhibits digestion, blood is directed to brain and muscles.
5) Adrenaline also triggers the release of glucose and fats, which flood into the bloodstream, supplying energy to parts of the body associated with fight or flight.
6) Once the threat has passed, the parasympathetic nervous system returns the body to its resting state. It slows the heart down again and reduces blood pressure & digestion begins again.