Fight/Flight response

• The Fight/Flight response is a sequence of activity within the body that is triggered when we perceive a threat or a stressful situation. The activity involved psychological changes in the NS and the secretion of hormones necessary to sustain arousal
• Fight/Flight response: 

  1. Amygdala (Area of the brain associated with emotions) It sends a distress signal to the hypothalamus 
  2. Hypothalamus (Controls ANS & so sympathetic NS is activated) It releases a stress hormone to the pituitary gland 
  3. Pituitary Gland (Master Gland) It releases ACTH to the adrenal glands 
  4. Adrenal Glands (Specifically the adrenal medulla) Triggers the release of adrenaline to the endocrine system & noradrenaline to the brain- it causes physiological changes e.g. increased heart rate 
• The role of adrenaline in Fight/flight: 

  • Adrenaline is released from the adrenal medulla 
  • It triggers sympathetic action has a range of effects on the body e.g. increases heart rate to speed up blood flow to improve spread of adrenaline  
• Fight/ flight may not be useful in a driving test as fight/flight causes adrenaline to be released which has a number of effects on the body e.g. sweaty hands so your hands may slip on the steering wheel 
• Eye 

  Sympathetic- Pupils dilate 

  Reason for activity- To improve vision 

  Parasympathetic- Pupils constrict 
• Heart 

  Sympathetic- Heart rate increases 

  Reason for activity- Speed up blood flow to the organs to improve the spread of adrenaline 

  Parasympathetic- Heart rate decreases 
• Lungs 

  Sympathetic- Breathing increases 

  Reason for activity- Increase oxygen intake 

  Parasympathetic- Breathing decreases 
• Gut (feel sick) 

  Sympathetic- Blood vessels constrict, Digestion is inhibited 

  Reason for activity- Save energy for prioritised functions e.g. running 

  Parasympathetic- Digestion is stimulated 
• Salivary Glands (Dry mouth) 

  Sympathetic- Saliva production is inhibited 

  Reason for activity- Save energy for prioritised functions e.g. running 

  Parasympathetic- Saliva production is stimulated 
• Sweat glands (face goes red) 

  Sympathetic- Production of sweat 

  Reason for activity- To facilitate temperature regulation 

  Parasympathetic- Body cools down 
• Muscles 

  Sympathetic- Muscles tense 

  Reason for activity- Improve reaction time and speed 

  Parasympathetic- Muscles relax