The fight or flight response

Question 1

When is the fight or flight response generated?

Answer 1

during threatening situations

Question 2

What does the fight or flight response involve and what does it cause?

Answer 2

involves the activation of the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system which causes immediate physiological changes that enable us the respond appropriately

Question 3

What is the process of sympathetic response?

Answer 3

-stressor is perceived and the threat is assessed
-hypothalamus activates the sympathetic branch of the(ANS).
-Sympathetic nerves transmit the signal from the CNS) to (PNS), which consists of nerves which connect to the adrenal glands.
-adrenal medulla (inner part of the
adrenal glands) releases the hormones adrenalin and noradrenaline into the bloodstream.
-Adrenaline constricts blood vessels in the skin to divert blood to the muscles to provide oxygen so they can provide a physical response to threat

Question 4

What is the summary of sympathetic response?

Answer 4

-Hypothalamus
-Sympathetic Branch of ANS
-Adrenal medulla
-Adrenaline,Noradrenalin

Question 5

What is adrenaline?

Answer 5

hormone released as part of the
‘fight or flight response’ which prepares the body for action in different ways

Question 6

how does adrenaline prepare the body for action?

Answer 6

↑ heart rate – to speed up blood flow.
↑ blood pressure – to speed up force of blood flow.
↑ lung function – to provide oxygen to the muscles and brain.
↑ blood glucose – to provide energy.
↑ blood flow to muscles – to increase physical mobility.
↑ pupil size (dilation) – to let in more light to improve perception of a stressor.
↓ digestion – as blood is directed to muscles (causing ‘butterflies in stomach’).
↓ salivation – as digestion is not prioritis

Question 7

What happens once the stressor is gone? (parasympathetic response)

Answer 7

-the autonomic nervous system switches from the activation of the sympathetic branch to the parasympathetic branch. -leads to a decrease in the
hormones, such as adrenaline, in the bloodstream.
-opposing, calming effect on the body is known as the ‘rest and digest response’ and includes a decrease in heart rate and the return of digestive processes. -parasympathetic activation returns the body to a balanced state known as homeostasis.