fight-or-flight response
Although the distinction between innate behavior and learned behavior in animals is debatable, it is factual that animals are “wired” to exhibit a “fight- or- flight” response when faced with a threat in order to protect themselves- because, after all- nature is all about survival of the fittest.
The pathway and resulting consequences of this response is seemingly logical in scribe, yet so inexplicable when in the moment. It begins when the sensory cortex perceives a stimulus through the hypothalamus and to the brain stem; the amount of catecholamines at neuroreceptor sites increases causing animals to exhibit spontaneous or intuitive behaviors such as fight- or-flight. It is believed that this is the point in time when the most irrational thoughts and proceeding decisions are made.
But even still, this impaired judgment only results from initial heightened awareness. If the stimulus causing this awareness is regarded as a threat than further discharge of locus cerelus activates the sympathetic nervous system. Consequently, acetylcholine stimulates the release of epinephrine and norepinephrine. The release of these stress hormones is responsible for several physical reactions that initiate a fight- or- flight response. For example: acceleration of heart/lung action, tunnel vision, and auditory exclusion amongst many. In efforts to maintain homeostasis, the parasympathetic nervous system has its own set of physical reactions-one of which is the dilation of lacrimal gland which stimulates tears. Hello, emotional crying.
It is unwise to repel this response because in the event that stress hormones are withstood- an accumulation leads to something far more serious such as high blood pressure, stroke, depression, and even susceptibility to autoimmune diseases. Today, humans have evolved to exhibit a wider range of fight –or- flight responses. In prehistoric times, a more combative fight response was used-but today, it is more frequent that arguments ensue to alleviate stress and prevent the above accumulation-caused illnesses. Unfortunately, more severe routes of flight can exist- examples of detachment, isolation, and substance abuse are seen in several cases.
Although fight-or-flight responses are specific to different situations, I can’t help but hope that one day we will further evolve to know which dangers and threats are worth fleeting for and which dangers are instead worth “fighting” or arguing against. Both of which involve being able to discern what really is a danger and what is nothing more than a novel stimuli that will naturally cause relievable discomfort. Until then, it is inevitable that this response animals are “wired” to have for protection, is ironically detrimental and self-destructive in too many cases.
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