Question 1

What is the Meaning of Fight-or-Flight Response?

Accepted Answer

The Fight-or-Flight Response is an acute physiological reaction to perceived danger, preparing an organism for immediate action. This adaptive mechanism rapidly mobilizes bodily resources to either confront a threat or escape it, vital for survival.

Question 2

What is the Context of Fight-or-Flight Response?

Accepted Answer

This response is orchestrated by the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system, integrated with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Activation stems from brain threat assessment centers, initiating a rapid cascade of hormonal and neural signals. This system links the central nervous system and the endocrine system for swift physiological adjustments.

Question 3

What is the Significance of Fight-or-Flight Response?

Accepted Answer

Understanding this response is crucial for addressing chronic stress, anxiety disorders, and cardiovascular issues. Persistent activation contributes to allostatic load, potentially leading to systemic inflammation, metabolic dysregulation, and heightened cardiovascular risk. Recognizing its manifestations guides effective management strategies for patient well-being.

Question 4

What is the Mechanism of Fight-or-Flight Response?

Accepted Answer

Upon threat detection, the hypothalamus activates the sympathetic nervous system, prompting adrenal medulla release of catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine). Concurrently, the HPA axis is stimulated: CRH from hypothalamus, ACTH from pituitary, and cortisol from adrenal cortex. These hormones induce widespread physiological changes: increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, enhanced glucose availability, and redirected blood flow.

Question 5

What is the Application of Fight-or-Flight Response?

Accepted Answer

This response manifests as rapid heart rate, shallow breathing, muscle tension, and heightened vigilance in individuals facing perceived threats. Clinically, interventions often focus on modulating it through stress reduction techniques like diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and cognitive restructuring. These methods aim to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, restoring physiological balance.

Question 6

What is the Metric of Fight-or-Flight Response?

Accepted Answer

Physiological markers of this response are assessed through various clinical measurements. These include heart rate variability (HRV), blood pressure, and glucose levels. Biochemical markers like salivary or serum cortisol and urinary catecholamine levels provide objective insights into HPA axis and sympathetic nervous system activation. Symptom scales also gauge a patient's subjective stress experience.

Question 7

What is the Risk of Fight-or-Flight Response?

Accepted Answer

While vital for acute survival, prolonged or excessive activation carries significant health risks. Chronic physiological arousal can contribute to sustained hypertension, insulin resistance, immune system suppression, and digestive disturbances. It may also exacerbate mood disorders, chronic pain syndromes, and adrenal dysregulation, necessitating careful clinical oversight.

Fight-or-Flight Response

Meaning

Context

Significance

Mechanism

Application

Metric

Risk

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