Fight or Flight

Question 1

The ‘Fight or Flight’ Response

Answer 1

When someone enters a potentially stressful situation, the amygdala (part of the limbic system) is activated. The amygdala responds to sensory input (what we see, hear, smell, etc) and connects sensory input with emotions associated with the fight or flight response (e.g. fear).

Question 2

Describe the process of the ‘Fight or Flight’ response

Answer 2

1) A person enters a stressful/dangerous situation.
2) The amygdala (part of the limbic system) is activated, which sends a distress signal to the hypothalamus.
3) The hypothalamus activates the sympathomedullary pathway (SAM pathway) - the pathway running to the adrenal medulla and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS)
4) The sympathetic nervous system stimulates the adrenal medulla, part of the adrenal gland.
5) The adrenal medulla secretes the hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline into the bloodstream.
6) Adrenaline causes a number of physiological changes to prepare the body for fight or flight.

Question 3

Increased heart rate

Answer 3

To increase blood flow to organs and increase the movement of adrenaline around the body.

Question 4

Increased breathing rate

Answer 4

To increase oxygen intake.

Question 5

Pupil dilation

Answer 5

To increase light entry into the eye and enhance vision (especially in the dark).

Question 6

Sweat production

Answer 6

To regulate temperature.

Question 7

Reduction of non-essential functions (e.g. digestive system, urination, salivation)

Answer 7

To increase energy for other essential functions.

Question 8

What happens after the ‘Fight or Flight’ response?

Answer 8

Following the fight or flight response, the parasympathetic nervous system is activated to return the body back to its ‘normal’ resting state. Consequently, the parasympathetic nervous system slows down our heart rate, breathing rate and reduces our blood pressure. Furthermore, any functions that were previously slowed down are resumed. (e.g. digestion).