Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
This is an automatic physiological reaction to stressful or threatening situations. It prepares the body for physical action - either fighting off danger or fleeing from it.
Part of our nervous system that increases heart rate and blood pressure while slowing digestion during stress situations โ itโs like our bodyโs emergency response team.
Adrenaline (Epinephrine): A hormone released into the bloodstream in response to physical or mental stress โ think of it as fuel for your fight-or-flight engine.