Emergency Telecommunicator Certification Practice Exam

What physiological reaction is associated with the fight or flight response?

1. A preparation to analyze the situation

2. A rise in body temperature

3. A readiness to fight or flee

4. A decrease in heart rate

The correct answer is: A readiness to fight or flee

The physiological reaction associated with the fight or flight response is a readiness to fight or flee. This response occurs as a reaction to perceived threats, activating the body's sympathetic nervous system. It results in a series of changes designed to prepare the body for immediate physical activity. For example, adrenaline is released into the bloodstream, which increases heart rate, boosts oxygen flow to muscles, and heightens alertness. This readiness manifests through various physical responses, such as dilated pupils for better vision, increased blood flow to muscles, and a sharpened focus on the threat at hand. These changes collectively enable a person to either confront the danger or escape from it swiftly. In contrast, other options do not accurately describe the primary physiological response. Analyzing a situation is more cognitive and less about the immediate physical reaction. A rise in body temperature may occur due to increased metabolic activity but is not an essential element of the fight or flight mechanism, which emphasizes readiness and physical capability. A decrease in heart rate contradicts the typical fight or flight response, as the heart rate usually increases to enhance blood circulation and prepare the body for action.