North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

What physiological systems are primarily involved in the fight or flight response?

1. Nervous and Circulatory Systems

2. Respiratory and Endocrine Systems

3. Endocrine and Nervous Systems

4. Digestive and Immune Systems

The correct answer is: Endocrine and Nervous Systems

The fight or flight response is a physiological reaction that occurs in response to a perceived threat or stressor, and it primarily involves the endocrine and nervous systems. The nervous system plays a crucial role in detecting threats and rapidly transmitting signals throughout the body. The hypothalamus, a key part of the brain, initiates the fight or flight response by triggering the sympathetic nervous system. This leads to an immediate release of adrenaline (epinephrine) and norepinephrine, hormones that prepare the body for quick action. This results in increased heart rate, enhanced blood flow to muscles, and elevated alertness. Simultaneously, the endocrine system contributes by releasing stress hormones such as cortisol, which help sustain the body’s alert states during prolonged stress. These hormones influence various metabolic processes, ensuring that the body has the necessary energy resources to respond effectively to the threat. In contrast, the digestive and immune systems are not primary players in the fight or flight response, as they are typically suppressed during moments of acute stress. The respiratory system is involved as well, but it functions more as a supporting system to ensure adequate oxygen supply to fuel the muscles involved in the fight or flight response. Thus, the combination of the nervous and endocrine systems creates a comprehensive response to