Fight or flight

• Fight or flight


  An automatic response to a real or perceived threat. This response allows you to call on energy and strength to deal with the situation regardless of what you choose, it prepares you for action
• Step 1

  The hypothalamus in the brain detects a threat. The autonomic nervous system sends messages to your body, so it becomes prepared for action
• Step 2

  The autonomic nervous system switches from the resting parasympathetic state to the aroused sympathetic state
• Step 3

  Sympathetic activity causes several changes to take place. Adrenaline is released into the bloodstream.
• Step 3 - what happens

  We breath more deeply, our heart rate increases and the blood carries more oxygen, our eyes dilatate to give us tunnel vision, we also begin to sweat more to cool our muscles, the digestive system changes so we metabolise sugar quickly enabling instant energy, the blood thickens in preparation for injury so it clots more easily, the brain produces natural painkillers known as endorphins
• Step 4

  The state is maintained by the endocrine system which continues to release adrenaline to keep the body in an aroused state. After the threat has passed there is a switch back to parasympathetic activity and the body enters a 'rest and digest' phase. They may feel tired or hungry as they have been using vital energy
• Endocrine system and adrenaline 


  Hormones are chemical messages released by glands in the endocrine system. They control target organs. Hormone adrenaline promotes blood flow to working muscles, speeds metabolism and enhances the capacity of muscles to contract with more force and power. Extreme stress and danger enables adrenaline to enable our muscles to there true potential