fight or flight response

Question 1

outline the fight or flight response

Answer 1

• generated by the sympathetic branch of the ANS
• the hypothalamus detects stressor or threat
• stimulates SNS which increases heart rate and breathing rate
• sympathetic nerves cause adrenal medulla to release adrenaline into the bloodstream
• flight or flight response occurs, reduced digestion, pupils dilate, sweating
• stressor disappears and PNS returns body back to normal

Question 2

heart rate inreases

Answer 2

to speed up blood flow to vital organs, muscles and improve spread of adrenaline around body

Question 3

breathing rate increases

Answer 3

to increase oxygen intake

Question 4

dilation

Answer 4

to improve vision

Question 5

production of sweat

Answer 5

to facilitate temperature regulation

Question 6

reduced functioning of digestive and immune systems

Answer 6

to save energy for prioritised functioning such as running

Question 7

flow of blood is diverted from skin surface

Answer 7

blood is needed by organs and muscles to flee or fight