Fight or Flight

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What is the ‘fight or flight’ response?

What is the ‘fight or flight’ response?

An adaption that helps us survive when we face a threat.

What bodily processes are involved in the ‘fight or flight’ response?

Activation of the sympathetic nervous system and secretion of the adrenaline hormone

What physiological changes occur when the ‘fight or flight’ response is activated?

Pupils dilate

Heart rate increases

Blood pressure increases

Bladder relaxes

Glucose is released

Adrenaline rushes around the bloodstream

Why do physiological changes occur during the ‘fight or flight’ response?

Allows the body to have access energy and heighten the sensory capacity so that it might fight off a threat or run away to safety.

What system is activated once the threat is resolved?

Parasympathetic nervous system - returns bodily functions back to a relaxed state.

What physiological changes occur once the parasympathetic nervous system is activated?

Heart rate and blood pressure return to normal, pupils constrict, bladder control is regained, liver converts glucose back to glucagon.

What systems are involved in stress?

Sympathetic Nervous System

HPA axis

What does the HPA axis stand for?

Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis

How is the SNS involved in stress?

Triggers arousal via the release of adrenaline from the adrenal glands which activates ‘fight or flight’ responses.

How is the HPA axis involved in stress?

Part of the endocrine system so works slowly. This is where the hypothalamus releases corticotrophin which causes the pituitary gland to release ACTH.

What does ACTH stand for?

Adrenocorticotropic hormone

What does ACTH do?

Activates the adrenal glands to secrete cortisol into the bloodstream - which effects almost every organ.

What is the role of cortisol?

Provides a boost of energy when first encountering a stressor - preparing us to run away or fight.

What happens if cortisol levels remain high for extended periods?

It weakens the immune system