Fight or Flight Response

How do our bodies sense a change in light?

Photoreceptor cells (rods and cones) in the retina of the eye detect changes in light and convert them into electrical signals

What neuron signaling to the brain is involved in sight?

The optic nerve carries electrical signals from the retina to the brain’s visual cortex in the occipital lobe for processing

What is an action potential?

An electrical impulse that travels along a neuron’s axon

How do action potentials and synapses work to transmit a signal?

When the action potential reaches the synapse, neurotransmitters are released into the synaptic cleft allowing the signal to be passed to the next neuron

How do our brains determine if it’s in danger? What parts of the brain are involved?

The amygdala processes fear and emotional responses. The hypothalamus coordinates the fight-or-flight reaction by activating the nervous and endocrine systems

Once you decide you’re in danger, what processes are initiated?

The sympathetic nervous system activates causing heart rate and breathing to increase. The hypothalamus signals the adrenal glands to release adrenaline and cortisol heightening alertness and energy

What is the purpose of the processes that are initiated?

The responses prepare the body to either confront (fight) or escape (flight) the threat by increasing oxygen and glucose delivery to muscles, enhancing sensory awareness and suppressing non-essential functions