Question

What is the “fight-or-flight” response? What chemical is involved in the flight or fight response? What aspects of the nervous system and brain are involved in the processing of emotional memories?

What evolutionary advantage might have been conveyed to our species by the close connection between emotional arousal and memory?

Answer 1

What is the “fight-or-flight” response? What chemical is involved in the flight or fight response?

Psychologists refer to stress as a feeling of strain and pressure. It is also considered as one type of psychological pain. Small amounts of stress may be desired, beneficial, and even healthy. It is observed that Stress is primarily a physical response. During intense stress or fear, the body thinks it is under attack and switches to ‘fight or flight’ mode. Consequently, a complex mix of hormones and chemicals such as adrenaline, cortisol and norepinephrine are released into the body. These hormones and chemicals help to prepare the body for physical action. Blood is diverted to muscles, as a result, shuts down other bodily functions such as brain function, digestion etc.

The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is part of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which also includes the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). The sympathetic nervous system originates in the spinal cord and its main function is to activate the physiological changes that occur during the fight-or-flight response. The SNS activates the release of norepinephrine in the reaction. Consequently, the sympathetic nervous system can accelerate heart rate, widen bronchial passages, constrict blood vessels, increase peristalsis in the oesophagus, cause goosebumps, perspiration, and raise blood pressure.