Fight-or-Flight Response

Definition

The fight-or-flight response is a physiological reaction that occurs in response to a perceived harmful event or threat to survival. It prepares an organism for fighting off harm or fleeing from danger.

Related terms

Adrenaline:

A hormone secreted by the adrenal glands that increases rates of blood circulation, breathing, and carbohydrate metabolism and prepares muscles for exertion.

Stress Response: The body's way of responding to any kind of demand or threat by releasing a flood of hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol.

Homeostasis:

The state of steady internal physical and chemical conditions maintained by living organisms.