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Fight or Flight Response
The fight or flight response, first described by Walter Bradford Cannon, is a physiological reaction triggered by perceived threats, activating stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol to prepare the body for combat or escape. The autonomic nervous system has two divisions: the sympathetic division, which prepares the body for stress by increasing heart rate and blood flow to muscles, and the parasympathetic division, which helps restore normal conditions after the threat has passed. While stress can be a normal part of life necessary for survival, prolonged activation of the sympathetic system can lead to harmful effects, such as PTSD, particularly in military personnel.
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Fight or Flight Response
- 1. Fight Or FlightResponse ABHISHEK GUDDU 14111003
- 2. "On some instancesit can be a matter of life or death."
- 5. So what doesfight or flight Response mean?
- 6. Cannon Theory (1915) TheFight-or-Flight response is a physiological reaction that occurs in response to a perceived harmful event, attack or threat to survival. It was first described by Walter Bradford Cannon.
- 7. In other words….. Itis a defense mechanism that is important for survival, to protect oneself from harm.
- 8. How does theFight or Flight Stress Response System Work? triggers the key stress hormones A Cue e.g. emotions like fear, anxiety and anger adrenaline (epinephrine), norepinephrone and cortisol Fight OR Flee These stress hormones cause a number of things to happen to help us
- 10. How does thishappen? Autonomic Nervous System Maintains homeostasis and the functions of organs This is very important to regulate heart rate, blood pressure and other involuntary controls.
- 11. Divided into twodivisions: these divisions can control functions of the body in certain situations Sympathetic division Parasympathetic division
- 12. Sympathetic Division Yes SirGetthe body ready for stress Autonomic Nervous System Sympathetic division
- 13. Increases theheart rate Increases the respiration rate Shunts blood away from digestive tract. Dilates pupils Constricts blood vessels in various parts of the body. Dilates blood vessels for muscles Burns more fats and glucose Inhibits the lacrimal gland (responsible for tear production) and salivation Mobilizes immune system with increased activation "Ready to scan for the enemy" What shall I do?
- 14. Function of physiologicalchanges to give the body increased strength and speed in anticipation of fighting or running. Some of the specific physiological changes and their functions include:- Increased blood flow to the muscles activated by diverting blood flow from other parts of the body. Increased blood pressure, heart rate, blood sugars, and fats in order to supply the body with extra energy. The blood clotting function of the body speeds up in order to prevent excessive blood loss in the event of an injury sustained during the response. Increased muscle tension in order to provide the body with extra speed and strength. Pupil dilates so that more amount of light can enter for better vision.
- 15. Stress! - FightFlight or Freeze. In order to protect itself from danger our body uses increased energy to respond to danger in 3 ways :-
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- 17. Parasympathetic Division Autonomic NervousSystem Parasympathetic Division Restore the body to normal condition Sure Sir
- 18. Slows downthe heart rate as well as respiration rate Constricts pupils Reactivates digestion Increases salivation Adrenaline level goes down.It releases our mind to think again in a normal manner. It releases our feelings to be flexible again. Okay... I got it... I have to bring things to normal condition,I guess. I should probably...
- 19. If in prolongedsympathetic stage...... Harmful effects to the body Symptoms - high amount of stress, uneasiness around Public, improper functioning of organs etc.
- 20. Extreme example ofprolonged sympathetic phase..... PTSD- post traumatic stress disorder Often found among those in military since high amount of combats plus the continuous fear of death brings severe stress to their body since their autonomic system always has to be prepared to be on alert rather than relaxing.This takes a toll on their physical and mental health. According to a 2010 CNN article 31% of vietnam veterans,10% of Gulf war veterans and 20% of Iraq war veterans experienced PTSD.
- 21. Is it okto have stress? Stress is a normal part of everyday life, without it we would be very much in trouble in surviving The fight or flight response is the first responder of a threat, giving the necessary reaction to deal with the problem quick and efficiently. Think of it as a wake up call or an alarm that your life may be in trouble!!!
- 22. To leave youwith something funny....
- 23. References https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/counselling/documents/podacst-fight-or- flight-response.pdf https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fight-or-flight_response http://www.enotes.com/homework-help/what-an-example-fight-flight- situation-could-you-325530 http://www.thebestbrainpossible.com/fight-flight-or-freeze/
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Editor's Notes
- #7 also activated at times of stress as body perceives stress as a threat.