What biological processes speed up to help us deal with a threatening situation?
The classic “fight-or-flight” response means increased production of the stress hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline and cortisol. These bring about changes in the brain, metabolism, and heart rate. Cortisol and adrenaline enhance memory processes, helping us to store and retrieve sensory cues and be alert to future danger. Metabolism accelerates and energy supplies are mobilized to handle the emergency and replenish fuel. We also see increased immune function. Immune cells can move more quickly from the bloodstream to the tissues to help us deal with a wound or infection. The body does all this in response to acute stress.
