What type of response is associated with the term 'Fight or Flight'?

The term 'Fight or Flight' refers to the body's acute stress response, which is primarily mediated by the sympathetic nervous system. This response is activated during situations of perceived danger or stress, preparing the body to either confront the threat or escape from it. When the sympathetic nervous system is engaged, several physiological changes occur: heart rate increases, blood pressure rises, bronchi dilate for enhanced airflow, and blood flow is redirected towards the muscles. These adaptations are designed to optimize physical performance and survival in urgent situations.

In contrast, the parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for the 'Rest and Digest' response, which promotes relaxation and conservation of energy, fundamentally opposing the actions activated during the 'Fight or Flight' response. The terms cholinergic and anticholinergic refer to the actions of specific neurotransmitters (acetylcholine) and their receptors, which are also implicated in various autonomic nervous system responses but do not encapsulate the immediate stress response in the same way the sympathetic system does. Thus, the sympathetic nervous system is the correct response associated with 'Fight or Flight.'