The ‘fight or flight’ Response

Question 1

What is the fight or flight response?

Question 2

How does the fight or flight response happen?

Answer 2

We notice the stressor
The sympathonedullary pathway (SAM) is activated
Hypothalamus activates the pituitary gland
Sympathetic branch of the ANS is activated
Adrenal medulla instructed to release adrenaline
Physiological changes in the body to either fight or flight the stressor

Question 3

What are noticeable effects of the fight or flight response?

Answer 3

Pupils dilate
Dry mouth
Neck and shoulder muscles tense
Heart pumps faster
Sweating
Muscles tense for action
Breathing fast and shallow
Oxygen needs for muscles

Question 4

What are hidden effects of the fight or flight response?

Answer 4

Brain gets body ready for action
Adrenaline released
Blood pressure rises
Liver releases glucose for energy
Digestion slows or ceases
Sphincter close
Cortisol released to depress the immune system

Question 5

When does the fight or flight response stop?

Answer 5

Once the stressors have passed, the parasympathetic branch of the ANS returns the body to its normal rested state. It’s often called ‘rest and digest’ because it reduces the processes induced from being in the sympathetic state during fight or flight