The Fight Or Flight Response Flashcards
What is the fight or flight response?
When the body becomes physiologically aroused in readiness to fight an aggressor or in some cases to flee
What part of the nervous system does the fight or flight system come under?
The ANS - sympathetic branch
What is the main hormone of the fight or flight response?
Adrenaline
What is adrenaline?
The hormone produced by the adrenal glands which is part of the body’s immediate stress response system
What is the function of adrenaline?
To stimulate the cells of the cardiovascular system
What effect does the fight or flight response have on the heart?
Increases heart rate - to speed up blood flow to vital organs and muscles to improve spread of adrenaline around the body
What effect the fight or flight response have on breathing?
Faster breathing rate - increase oxygen intake, quick deep breathing occurs
What effects does the fight or flight response have on muscles?
Muscle tension occurs - to improve reaction time and speed, trembling occurs
What effect does the fight or flight response have on the eyes?
Pupils dilate - to improve vision
What effect does the fight or flight response have the skin?
Production of sweat - to regulate temperature, chills can occur due to blood vessels constricting
What effect does the fight of flight response have on the immune system?
Reduces functioning - to save energy for prioritised function like running, inhibits digestive enzyme production
What effect does the fight of flight response have on blood flow?
Diverted away from skin surface - need by vital organs
What effect does the fight of flight response have on the saliva glands?
Production is inhibited - to save energy energy
What effect does the fight of flight response have on the bowels?
Food movement is slowed down - to save energy for prioritised function
What is the 1st step in the fight or flight process?
Stressor/threat has been made
What is the 2nd step in the fight or flight process?
Stressor/threat activate the hypothalamus
What is the 3rd step in the fight or flight process?
The hypothalamus activates the sympathetic nervous system
What is the 4th step in the fight or flight process?
The SNS stimulates the production of adrenaline which then raised the body’s arousal
What is the 5th step in the fight or flight process?
the sympathetic nerves are stimulated which causes the adrenal medulla to release adrenaline into the bloodstream
What is the 6th step in the fight or flight process?
The fight or flight response is stimulated and physiologically reactions take place
What is the 7th step in the fight or flight process?
The stressor/threat disappears
What is the 8th step in the fight or flight process?
The Parasympathetic Nervous System takes over and return the body to normal
