Fight or flight response
Fight or Flight Response
The Fight or Flight Response (pronounced: fīt ɔr flīt rɪˈspɒns) is a physiological reaction that occurs in response to a perceived harmful event, attack, or threat to survival.
Etymology
The term "Fight or Flight" was coined by American physiologist Walter Bradford Cannon in the early 20th century. It describes the body's response to stress, which prepares an organism to either confront or flee from a threat.
Definition
The Fight or Flight Response is a survival mechanism that enables people and other mammals to react quickly to life-threatening situations. The moment a threat is perceived, the body undergoes a series of rapid changes to prepare for either fighting or fleeing from the threat. These changes are triggered by the release of adrenaline (also known as epinephrine) from the adrenal glands.
Physiological Changes
The Fight or Flight Response triggers several physiological changes in the body, including:
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Dilated pupils
- Increased blood glucose levels
- Suppression of non-emergency bodily processes like digestion
- Heightened senses and alertness
These changes are facilitated by the sympathetic nervous system, which is part of the autonomic nervous system.
Related Terms
- Acute Stress Response: Another term for the Fight or Flight Response.
- Freeze Response: A related survival mechanism where an organism becomes immobile or slows down significantly in response to a threat.
- Adrenaline: A hormone released by the adrenal glands that triggers the Fight or Flight Response.
- Sympathetic Nervous System: The part of the autonomic nervous system that triggers the Fight or Flight Response.
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