Question 82

Inhibited digestion is typical in a fight-or-flight response.

During a fight-or-flight response, the body prioritizes immediate survival needs, which includes inhibiting digestion to redirect energy to essential functions like increased heart rate and heightened alertness.

A) Slowed respiration

Slowed respiration is not typical in a fight-or-flight response. Instead, the body experiences increased respiration to supply more oxygen to the muscles and brain, preparing for rapid action.

B) Slowed heart rate

A slowed heart rate contradicts the fight-or-flight response. This response typically includes an increased heart rate to pump more blood and deliver oxygen and nutrients quickly to vital organs and muscles for immediate action.

C) Constricted pupils

Constricted pupils do not align with the fight-or-flight response. In contrast, pupils dilate to allow more light in, enhancing vision and awareness of the surroundings, which is critical during stressful situations.

D) Inhibited digestion

Inhibited digestion is a hallmark of the fight-or-flight response as the body diverts energy away from digestive processes to focus on immediate survival needs. This physiological adjustment allows the body to react quickly to threats.

E) Inhibited perspiration

Inhibited perspiration does not occur during a fight-or-flight response. In fact, perspiration often increases as the body prepares for physical exertion and to regulate temperature during heightened stress.

Conclusion

Inhibited digestion is the only correct response associated with the fight-or-flight mechanism, as this process reallocates bodily resources toward survival rather than digestion. Other options incorrectly represent physiological changes during this response, which focuses on preparing the body for immediate action and threat management.