Fight or Flight

• What is the Fight or Flight Response?

  The way someone responds when they are stressed. The body becomes physiologically aroused ready to fight or flee
• What 2 systems are involved in the fight or flight response?

  Endocrine system and the Autonomic Nervous System
• Fight or Flight Response

  1. When a stressor is perceived the hypothalamus activates the pituitary gland and triggers the sympathetic branch of the ANS
  2. Adrenaline is released from the adrenal medulla into the bloodstream resulting in the physical arousal of fight or flight
  3. This happens immediately as soon as the threat is detected
  4. Once the threat is over the parasympathetic NS returns to its resting state
• Characteristics of sympathetic nervous system

  • Increased heart rate
  • Increased breathing rate
  • Pupils dilate
  • Digestion is inhibited