Fight or Flight

• What two systems work together during the fight or flight response?

  The endocrine system and the autonomic nervous system (ANS)
• What are the steps involved in the fight or flight response during a stressful event?

  1. Stressor is perceived (e.g., someone following you in the dark)
  2. Hypothalamus triggers activity in the sympathetic branch of the ANS
  3. ANS shifts from parasympathetic state to sympathetic state
  4. Adrenaline is released from the adrenal medulla into the bloodstream
  5. Adrenaline triggers physiological changes (e.g., increased heart rate, breathing rate)
  6. Body returns to parasympathetic state when safe
• What happens when a stressor is perceived?

  The hypothalamus triggers activity in the sympathetic branch of the ANS
• What is the resting state of the ANS called?


  The parasympathetic state
• What physiological state does the ANS change to during stress?

  The physiologically aroused state (sympathetic state)
• What hormone is released from the adrenal medulla during the fight or flight response?


  Adrenaline
• What are some physiological changes triggered by adrenaline?


  Increased heart rate and breathing rate
• Why is the state triggered by adrenaline not sustainable?


  It uses too much energy
• What happens to the body when it is safe after a stressful event?

  The body returns to the parasympathetic state to act as a 'brake'
• PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES

  SYMPATHETIC state 

  -          Increased heart rate

  -          Increased breathing rate

  -          Dilates pupils

  -          Inhibits digestion

  -          Inhibits saliva production
• PARASYMPATHETIC state

  -          Decreases heart rate

  -          Decreases breathing rate

  -          Constricts pupils

  -          Stimulates digestion

  -          Stimulates saliva production
• Why do athletes usually break records competing in front of an audience rather than in training?

  Performing in front of an audience cause physiological arousal (activation of ANS) and the release of adrenaline