What physiological system is activated during the Fight or Flight response?

The sympathetic nervous system is the physiological system activated during the Fight or Flight response. This response prepares the body to react to perceived threats by triggering a series of physiological changes. When faced with a stressful situation, the body releases adrenaline and other stress hormones, leading to increased heart rate, dilated bronchial passages, heightened blood flow to muscles, and reduced functions that are non-essential for short-term survival, such as digestion.

This activation of the sympathetic nervous system is crucial because it primes the body for quick action, equipping individuals to either confront a danger (fight) or flee from it (flight). The other systems mentioned play different roles; for instance, the parasympathetic nervous system promotes a state of rest and calmness after the immediate threat has passed, while the central nervous system involves the brain and spinal cord in processing and responding to stimuli. The somatic nervous system is responsible for voluntary movements, which may not directly relate to immediate survival responses. Understanding the distinct roles of these systems helps clarify why the sympathetic nervous system is essential during moments of acute stress.