the fight or flight response

Question 1

where is the fight or flight response generated?

Answer 1

the autonomic nervous system, specifically the sympathetic branch

Question 2

what does the fight or flight response do?

Answer 2

it helps a person manage physically when under threat, as well as being activated in times of acute stress
it helps a person react quicker and facilitates optimal functioning to either fight the threat or run away from it

Question 3

what are the stages of the fight or flight response?

Answer 3

-the hypothalamus recognises there is a threat
-it sends a message to the adrenal gland (specifically adrenal medulla)
-which triggers the release of adrenaline to the endocrine system and noradrenaline in the brain
-prompting physical changes

Question 4

what are the physical changes that occur as a result of the fight or flight response, and why do they occur?

Answer 4

-increased heart rate to speed up blood flow to vital organs and improve the spread of adrenaline around the body
-faster breathing rate to increase oxygen intake
-muscle tension to improve reaction time and speed
-pupil dilation to improve vision
-produce sweat to facilitate temperature regulation
-reduce the functioning of the immune and digestive system to save energy for prioritised functions eg running

Question 5

research on the fight or flight response

Answer 5

-taylor et al 2000 - fight and flight for men but for women it was ‘tend and befriend’ as they produce more oxytocin, promoting nurturing and caring behaviours, showing a gender difference
-romero 2010 - its the production of adrenaline, not the source, that matters, as mammals produce it in the adrenal gland while non-mammals have it embedded in the cells of their kidneys
-berger et al 2019 - production of adrenaline may not be necessary for the response, osteocalcin levels surged in p’s in acute stress, followed by other bodily responses similar to fight or flight

Question 6

briefly evaluate the fight or flight response

Answer 6

-the skeleton may have evolved to protect from danger, since osteocalcin is believed to initiate the response, as well as increasing the ability of cells to utilise glucose
-has a biological survival value since its an automatic response, suggesting it has been shaped through natural selection, supported by the fact its found throughout animal species
-increases blood pressure and causes damage to blood vessels, which can contribute to heart disease, suggesting continuous stress has health implications