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The Autonomic Nervous System: Fight or Flight

 

Introduction:

The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) is a branch of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary body functions like heartbeat, digestion, breathing, and pupil dilation. It works silently in the background, keeping your body balanced and ready to respond to internal and external changes.

🔹 Two Main Divisions of ANS:

  1. Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) – "Fight or Flight"

  2. Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) – "Rest and Digest"

🔹 Fight or Flight Response (SNS):

When you perceive danger or stress (real or imagined), your sympathetic nervous system activates a rapid response. Here's what happens:

✅ Increased Heart Rate – to pump more blood to muscles
✅ Dilated Pupils – to improve vision
✅ Increased Breathing Rate – more oxygen intake
✅ Blood Flow to Muscles – redirected from skin and gut
✅ Release of Adrenaline (Epinephrine) – enhances alertness, energy

📌 This response evolved to help us survive threats—whether escaping predators or dealing with emergencies.

🔹 After the Threat: Parasympathetic Rebound

Once the stress passes, the parasympathetic nervous system calms the body:

🔄 Slows heart rate
🧘 Stimulates digestion
😌 Promotes relaxation and healing

🔹 Simple Analogy:

Think of SNS like the gas pedal—activating energy and action.
And PNS as the brake—bringing the body back to calm.

🔹 Summary:

  • The fight or flight response is your body’s survival gear.

  • Controlled by the sympathetic nervous system, it prepares you for immediate action.

  • Balance with the parasympathetic system is essential for health and recovery.

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