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The Fight-or-Flight Response

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The fight-or-flight response is a physiological reaction to threats, involving the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and key hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. This survival mechanism, described by Walter B. Cannon, optimizes the body's performance in critical situations through increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and muscle tension. Chronic stress, however, can lead to health issues, highlighting the importance of the parasympathetic nervous system in recovery and stress management.

The Physiology of the Fight-or-Flight Response

The fight-or-flight response is an instinctive physiological reaction to a perceived threat, which prepares an organism to either confront or evade danger. This response was first described by American physiologist Walter B. Cannon in the early 20th century. It is a fundamental survival mechanism that originates from our evolutionary past, where quick reactions to threats such as predators were essential for survival. In contemporary society, stressors have evolved to include non-life-threatening situations like exams or public speaking, yet the body's response remains similar. The fight-or-flight response manifests through various symptoms, including increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and muscle tension, all designed to optimize the body's performance in critical situations.
Lateral view of the human brain with hypothalamus and pituitary gland highlighted, above kidneys and adrenal glands on a blue background.

The Autonomic Nervous System and Stress Responses

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a pivotal role in the body's stress response, managing involuntary physiological functions. It is comprised of two main components: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The parasympathetic nervous system predominates during calm states, overseeing 'rest and digest' processes that conserve energy and maintain homeostasis, such as reducing heart rate and promoting digestion. Conversely, the sympathetic nervous system is activated in response to stress, acting as a stimulant to ready the body for immediate action. It triggers a series of changes, including the release of stored energy, acceleration of the heart and breathing rates, dilation of the pupils, and inhibition of non-essential functions like digestion, to prioritize the threat at hand.

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00

Although modern stressors like ______ or ______ ______ are not life-threatening, the body reacts in a similar way as it did to ancient threats.

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public speaking

01

Role of ANS in stress response

Manages involuntary functions, activates sympathetic system for 'fight or flight', parasympathetic for 'rest and digest'.

02

Sympathetic nervous system activation effects

Releases stored energy, accelerates heart/breathing rates, dilates pupils, inhibits digestion for immediate action.

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