Fight or Flight Response

Definition

This is an automatic physiological reaction to an event perceived as stressful or frightening. The body prepares itself either for combat (fight) or escape (flight).

Related terms

Sympathetic Nervous System:

The part of the autonomic nervous system that activates the body's energy resources to deal with threatening situations.

Adrenaline:

A hormone released into the bloodstream in response to physical or mental stress.

Homeostasis:

The body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment, despite changes in external conditions.