fight or flight

fight or flight response

the way animals respond when stressed. the body becomes physiologically aroused in readiness to fight an aggressor or, in some cases, flee

fight or flight process

brain interprets something as a threat - ANS changes from resting to sympathetic state - hypothalamus stimulates the release of ATCH from pituitary gland - ACTH causes adrenal glands to release adrenaline - adrenaline causes physiological changes in the body; this causes arousal needed for fight or flight - threat passes - PaNS returns body to resting state

stimulates sweat

sympathetic nervous system - brings down body temperature

increased heart rate and breathing

sympathetic nervous system - provides muscles with energy to prepare for fight or flight

pupils dilate

sympathetic nervous system - so we can see more clearly, let in more light, so we can gain more info about the situation

inhibits digestion, saliva and constricts rectum

sympathetic nervous system - shutting down systems that are not essential e.g. blood is shunted away from the stomach to the major muscle groups where it will be used during an emergency