Fight or flight response

Once a threat is detected by the autonomic nervous system, the hypothalamus

communicates with the sympathetic nervous systems and adrenal cortical system. The
sympathetic nervous system uses neuronal pathways to initiate body reactions. Impulses
are sent to smooth muscle and glands, and the adrenal medulla. The adrenal medulla
releases adrenaline and noradrenaline.

The hypothalamus also releases CRF (corticotropin-releasing factor) into the pituitary gland,
stimulating the release of ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormones) from the anterior pituitary
gland. ACTH travels in the blood to the adrenal cortex activating the release of a number of
different (corticosteroid hormones). The combined effects of increased sympathetic
nervous system activity and the release of adrenaline and other hormones into the blood
are responsible for the physiological changes of the ‘fight or flight’ response. These
physiological changes include: increased heart rate and blood pressure; pupils dilating;
arterioles to the digestive system and skin constricting; arterioles to muscles, liver, heart
and brain dilating; blood glucose levels increasing; metabolic activity increasing; erector
pili muscles in the skin contracting, making hairs stand up; ventilation rate and depth
increasing; sweat production increase.

1. Using the information above, construct a flow diagram showing the coordination of nerves
and hormones in the flight or fight response
 Describe 3 features in the external
appearance of the husky that are due to
the ‘fight or flight’ response.

2. Complete the table below on the physiological responses of the ‘fight or flight’ response and
the purpose for each

Physical response purpose

All resources are focused on emergency

Decreased non-essential systems like functions
digestion shut down

Heart rate increases

Smooth muscle of airways relaxes

Take in as much light as possible for better

vision

The liver converts glycogen into glucose so

blood glucose levels increase

Faster, deeper breathing

Arterioles in the skin constrict

 Increase sweating

Makes mammals look larger

Difficulty focusing on small tasks

Help sheet Pituitary gland secretes ACTH

Stimulates anterior pituitary gland to

Hypothalamus release CRF

Bloodstream

Activates sympathetic nervous

system
Impulses activates glands and
smooth muscle

Activates adrenal medulla

ACTH arrives at adrenal cortex and
releases approx 30 hormones

Releases noradrenaline

Neural activity combines with

Releases adrenaline hormones in the bloodstream to
constitute fight-or-flight responses