Biopsychology : Fight Or Flight

Question 1

Outline the function of a Fight ot Flight response.

Answer 1

The fight or flight response is a physiological reaction that occurs in order to prepare the body for a perceived threat.

Question 2

Outline some of the physiological changes that can result from fight or flight.

Answer 2

• Increased heart rate
• Increased lung action
• Constriction of blood vessels leading to higher blood pressure
• Inhibited digestion and salivation
• Pupils dilate

Question 3

How does the body coordinate a response to an immediate threat?

Answer 3

> The fight or flight response is initiated when the brain perceives threat in the environment.
if this happens then the brain activates the sympathetic nervous system .
the sympathetic nervous system communicates with the adrenal glands.
the adrenal glands release the hormone adrenaline into the blood.
this leads to physiological changes

Question 4

How does the body coordinate once the response has passed?

Answer 4

> The fight or flight response is ended if the brain perceives the threat has passed.
If this happens then the parasympathetic nervous system is activated. This takes the rest of the body out of fight or flight and returns it to a lower state of arousal.
(Rest and digest).

Question 5

How does the body coordinate a response if threat continues over a period of time?

Answer 5

> If the brain perceives the threat that remains, then it sends signals to the pituitary glands.
This leads the pituitary gland to release a hormone called ACTH into the bloodstream.
This then results in the adrenal gland releasing cortisol into the blood stream.