6.2.2 The Fight or Flight Response

• What is the fight or flight response triggered by?

  Perceived threat
• The hormone adrenaline increases heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing
• Cortisol helps regulate glucose metabolism and reduces inflammation during the fight or flight response.
• Which two key hormones are involved in the fight or flight response?

  Adrenaline and Cortisol
• Adrenaline increases heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing
• What is one key function of cortisol during the fight or flight response?

  Reduces inflammation
• The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for preparing the body for action in stressful situations.
• The sympathetic nervous system increases heart rate and blood pressure to enhance oxygen delivery to muscles
• Which hormone is released by the sympathetic nervous system to boost energy levels during the fight or flight response?

  Adrenaline
• The sympathetic nervous system inhibits digestion during the fight or flight response to conserve energy.
• Steps of physiological changes during the fight or flight response

  1️⃣ Heart rate and blood pressure increase

  2️⃣ Breathing becomes rapid and shallow

  3️⃣ Energy is released from glucose stores
• The fight or flight response enables quick reactions and improves sensory awareness
• Which hormone primarily drives the physiological changes during the fight or flight response?

  Adrenaline
• During the fight or flight response, heart rate and blood pressure increase to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to muscles.
• During the fight or flight response, breathing becomes rapid and shallow
• What is the effect of the sympathetic nervous system on decision-making during the fight or flight response?

  Enables swift decision-making
• Heightened sensory awareness during the fight or flight response enhances the ability to perceive threats.
• What is the analgesic effect of adrenaline during the fight or flight response?

  Minimizes pain during action
• Hormones like adrenaline and cortisol prepare the body to either confront or escape danger
• The fight or flight response involves the activation of the autonomic nervous system, specifically the sympathetic branch.
• Match the aspect of the fight or flight response with its key function:

  Activation ↔️ Prepares the body for action

  Physiological Changes ↔️ Increased heart rate, blood pressure, breathing

  Duration ↔️ Immediate to short-term

  Long-term Regulation ↔️ Restores homeostasis
• What is the primary role of cortisol during the fight or flight response?

  Sustains the response
• Cortisol regulates glucose metabolism and reduces inflammation during the fight or flight response.
• The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for preparing the body for action in stressful or threatening situations
• What is the effect of increased heart rate during the fight or flight response?

  Enhances blood circulation
• Pupil dilation during the fight or flight response improves vision for threat detection.
• Match the organ/system with its physiological change during the fight or flight response:

  Heart ↔️ Increased heart rate

  Lungs ↔️ Increased breathing rate

  Blood vessels ↔️ Constrict/dilate as needed

  Liver ↔️ Glucose release
• Which adaptive function of the fight or flight response enables swift decision-making and action?

  Quick reaction
• Chronic activation of the fight or flight response can lead to conditions like cardiovascular issues, anxiety, and depression.